The Hilo Storm is a new football organization for children 8 to 14 years old that will be joining 18 Hawaii teams in the Jr. Prep Sports America league.
In its very first season, 90 kids have signed up and are participating in practices at Kuawa Park every Tuesday and Wednesday. This will be the first JPS league team representing the Big Island against teams from Oahu and one from Kauai.
The Hilo Storm is a nonprofit owned by Jowell Atiz and Leila Deconte, two mothers and business owners who wanted to bring something different to Hilo youth sports.
While JPS follows similar rules and structure to Pop Warner, the league also allows students to compete in tackle football year-round and compete against international teams.
“This is the first JPS team on the Big Island, and we’re making history with this league,” Atiz said. “JPS will give athletes more opportunity to play against teams across the state, which will help them prepare for next-level competition in high school and potentially college.”
The Hilo Storm will be divided into three main divisions: 10U for 8- to 10-year-olds, 12U for 11- and 12-year-olds, and 14U for 13- and 14-year-olds. Some high school students will be able to compete, depending on their birthdays, but the league mostly will cater to elementary and middle school students.
“This new league will fill a gap of not having tackle football options for half the year,” Deconte said. “The athletic level is so much different on each island, so exposing them to more teams will be a great way to get experience.”
The Hilo Storm is guaranteed five games against Oahu and Kauai teams. There will be five games played in Hilo and at least one played on Oahu for the Storm.
Games are set to begin in March, although dates have not been set in stone.
Along with the football program, the Hilo Storm also includes a cheer team that will bring excitement to games and give girls the opportunity to learn and compete outside of school.
“We want the cheer program to eventually be just as big as our football program, even if we have to start small,” Atiz said. “There aren’t feeder programs for cheerleading like there are for football, so we want to give kids the much-needed opportunities to compete in cheer.”
Having a cheer squad also gives families the opportunity to involve brothers and sisters in the Hilo Storm.
“We want this to be a family affair and for as many youth to be able to experience what JPS has to offer,” Atiz said. “I think the Hilo Storm will showcase that this spring season, it’s all about the child. It’s about helping them achieve their full potential athletically and academically.”
Academics play a large role in student participation in the Hilo Storm since all players must maintain passing grades in all their classes to compete.
“At big bowl games, many athletes are recognized in front of hundreds of people for their hard work in school, which can be a huge motivator for kids,” Atiz said. “This is something Leila and I wanted to incorporate from Pop Warner to help remind the kids that they can strive for so many things.”
The Hilo Storm hopes to eventually expand its reach to include more communities and more sports. Baseball coaches and players already have reached out to see if it’s possible to have a baseball team through the program.
“As we go through the season, I can guarantee people who didn’t join or those who are interested in learning more will come to the games,” Deconte said. “I’m excited to show everyone how we’re moving, growing and hopefully expanding after our first season.”
Since the Hilo Storm is a starter program, Atiz and Deconte are making sure they get their ducks in a row before expanding.
“We have been so lucky to work with Parks and Recreation to have access to this beautiful field (on Kuawa Street) in the middle of Hilo,” Atiz said. “We hope people pass by and see all these keiki playing and practicing together, and wonder what we have going on here.”
For more information, visit hilostorm.com.
Email Kelsey Walling at kwalling@hawaiitribune-herald.com.