Miami Suns and Florida Family look to further develop Girls Grassroots Basketball in South Florida

The Florida Family Girls Basketball Team has agreed to become affiliates of the Miami Suns. Representatives of both organizations met and together designed a plan to ensure the success for their programs. Florida Family will continue to independently operate their girls program and will receive full support from the Suns Organization. Florida Family has been successful with their 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th grade teams during the past few years. Now affiliates of the Miami Suns, the Florida Family will continue their success with their 5th, 6th and 7th grade teams having their girls join The Miami Suns once they enter their 8th grade year. As an affiliate of the Suns Program The Family will be provided with unlimited resources. Suns Coaches and Staff will work hand in hand with the Family Staff and its players to bring the best possible training and development to its program. The Family Staff will also participate in the Suns program practices as well as joint mini camps and clinics for elementary through high school players. The Suns program will add Family Director Ben Bridges and Coaches James Ford, Ashley Wilson and Shirley McCal to the Suns staff for the Summer Travel season. The Suns will also provide The Family Girls Basketball program with Official Nike gear provided by 2-time Olympic Gold medalist and WNBA All Star Sylvia Fowles.

After a very successful summer, the Miami Suns program looks to continue the tradition of success on the court. This new affiliation recognizes the Miami Suns as one of the country’s premier program currently and in the future. It will also catapault The Family to become one of the top middle school/elementary travel clubs in the state. Obel Cruz, Director of Basketball Operations states, “This is what I like to call a win-win situation. To be able to reach out to another group of kids in our area and share with them what we consider the Premier Girls Basketball Organization not only in the state but the country as well!! We have a ton of respect for Ben, his staff, players and their organization. We are delighted to have them on board and together we will continue to provide South Florida with the best basketball training, development and exposure in the state!”

Both programs have done an outstanding job and want to continue to develop elite players from all over South Florida. The Florida Family and The Miami Suns Youth Development Program aspire to have young ladies from ages 8 to 13 participate in the program, from beginner stage to advanced and placed on teams accordingly. This agreement and business affiliation ensures that girls basketball in South Florida has a BRIGHT future….