Florida ELITE SOUTH Region

10/18/2026

10/16/2026

It's time to grind !! South Florida Elite Playoffs is here

02/20/2026

In 1990, Metro Dade bus driver Sam Johnson decided to make a difference in his community. He and 2 Live Crew front man Luther Campbell co-founded the Liberty City Optimist Club, an organization dedicated to help keep inner city youngsters off the streets through participation in youth football, baseball and cheerleading programs. Over the years, the Liberty City Warriors became one of the most successful Pop Warner clubs in the city and the nation. The club has produced some of Miami's best football players. Past alumni include former NFL receivers Chad Johnson and Antonio Bryant, Devonta Freeman, Duke Johnson along with current NFL players Lavonte David and Tutu Atwell.

But Johnson's goal wasn't to produce great football players. He wanted the kids to succeed in life. He helped mentor countless boys and girls who desperately needed a father figure through coaching and guidance. Thanks to Johnson, many of the youngsters he mentored went on to realize a college education. Johnson passed away in December 2011. But he left behind a big legacy. The success of the Liberty City Warriors spawned other inner city optimist clubs including the Overtown Rattlers and the Gwen Cherry Bulls.