Mr. Tommie L. Battle formed the Fort Myers Cobras in September of 1993. The Fort Myers Cobras are one of the ten Minor League teams in Florida with the United Football League (UFL). The League plays its season from the end of January through the spring. Each team is made up of the local talented young men ages 18 or older. Some of the men did not make the college ranks and therefore cold not go to the NFL, CFL, WFL or AFL. The vision of thee UFL is to create positive community and personal development in the neighborhoods where the players and fans live and work and at the same time play top quality football. The UFL provide scholarship program that contributes to the college tuition for players in return for commitment of completion and high-grade averages. All the UFL teams are formed as separate non-profit corporations under the banner of the UFL Properties, Inc. UFL Games attract the attention of scouts from the NFL, AFL, and the CFL.
Some players are teachers, bank managers, police officers and business executives. These men set a tremendous example and act as mentor to the other players who need direction and self-discipline. These players share these values that they receive from their mentors with their families and community. The player who do not have high school completion or college education are encouraged to go back to school or college and share the dream of academic as well as athletic excellence. Many semi-pro players are very high caliber and are dedicated to their sports and have advanced on to professional careers in the big leagues. The love of football drives these players forward and with the special coaching and motivation that they receive, they are exciting to watch and very talented. The Cobras rise to the challenge of playing like the top athletes of the Major Leagues and are the pride of their communities.
Several players from the Fort Myers Cobras team have had try-outs with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and the Miami Dolphins. Some have played in the All-Star game in Toronto, Canada. The Fort Myers Cobras are preparing for another year and hope to receive your support to make this a successful year. The Cobras funnel the profits generated back into the community by the Cobras sponsoring and participating in neighborhood clean-ups projects, donating proceeds to local groups such as ARABA Shrine Temple and creating scholarships for the underprivileged. Lee County Sheriffs Department provides security and can attest to the atmosphere and quality of the games. Our games were held one year at Cypress Lake High Scholl and the booster club kept all the proceeds. We are making a difference in young athletes lives, by giving them a second chance to reach their potential, not only as football players, but more importantly as adults with high self-esteem who command the respect of others around them, especially the younger people growing up in their neighborhoods.
If you would like to make a donation or assist the Cobras in any way, please contact Mr. Tommie Battle at (941) 694-0138. We thank you in advance for your support.
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