Super Pee Wees sow seeds of fruition within Pompano Chiefs
The key to building any successful program is to have a solid foundation, and that especially holds true for the Pompano Chiefs youth football organization in the Pop Warner Gold Coast League.
The Super Pee Wee division for ages 4-5 is the youngest of all the Chiefs age groups.
Spearheading the effort to mentor the young football players and cheerleaders are the Jones/Duncan family. The family has three generations and 11 family members that are self-proclaimed “Chiefs lifers.”
The Chiefs organization includes more than 200 players and nearly 175 cheerleaders. There are 25 players on the Super Pee Wee squad.
Nikki Jones made history this season by becoming the first female head coach for the Pompano Chiefs. Jones took over the Super Pee Wee team from her stepfather John Duncan, who continues to serve in an assistant capacity.
“I’m the first lady head coach for football in the City of Pompano,” Jones said. “I love it. I’ve been coaching for five years with my dad, and my mom is the head cheerleading coach. My sister (Amber Jones) coaches one of the other cheerleading teams. We’re all family.”
Jones is excited about the opportunity and is confident she is up to the task.
“You have to have a lot of patience, but I love what I do,” Jones said. “I grew up in this organization with my family. I was once a cheerleader and played flag football for Blanche Ely. Being a Chief is everything. I wouldn’t coach anywhere else.”
The Chiefs program is focused on creating a safe environment on the football field. At the Super Pee Wee level, scoring is kept but there are no standings and every child participates.
Jones’ mother, Kimberly Duncan, has coached cheerleaders in the Chiefs organization, and has also served as varsity head coach of the Blanche Ely High School cheer squad for 14 years. The Pompano resident has been coaching cheerleaders for 30 years.
“I have 17 girls on this (Super Pee Wee) team whose parents I coached at this age and saw them all the way through,” Jones said with a smile. “I just try to instill unity and get them prepared for the next level, because cheerleading is now a sport where you can receive college scholarships.”
Technique and the art of working as a team are emphasized. The Chiefs cheerleading program has a rich tradition winning numerous competitions. The trophies are proudly displayed in the trophy case inside the Mitchell Moore Recreation Center.
“Coming back down to this level is enjoyable and my old cheerleaders talked me into coaching their daughters,” Duncan said. “I’m restarting everything all over again. I’m a tough disciplinarian and the kids listen to me. It’s like I got 30 kids all over again and they make my day and put a smile on my face. This is very special.”