On October 31, at the Clarendon County Recreation Department, also known as J.C. Britton Park, the first interest meeting for a new semi-pro football team will be held.
Semi-pro football doesn't necessarily mean the pros; however, it's undeniably a step up from flag football and recreational leagues. Christopher Lawson is currently the new owner of the upcoming semi-pro football team in Manning.
"It's just different guys coming out, getting practice started while getting into a league that accepts us," stated Lawson.
This football team, which will be named the Clarendon County Gators, will allow anybody interested in playing. However, it is targeted at young men between the ages of 18 and 24. By playing for the team, there's a possibility an N.F.L. scout can recognize a team player and invite them to camp or even possibly offer them a tryout.
Some people start semi-pro football in the hope of a better opportunity and future. Many college students earned their way to college through sports. This is precisely why Lawson was interested in creating and hosting a team in Clarendon. He wants to give the fortuity to any young guys who got looked over in high school.
Lawson graduated from Lake City High School in 2010. He has played football since he was 11 years old and helped coach multiple semi-pro football teams. The P.D. Vikings in Darlington, SC, was one of those teams Mr. Lawson helped back in 2019.
"We only lost two games that year and ended up playing for the league championship and lost only by three points," said Lawson. "Then we ended up going to Nationals in Florida,"
The football teams are pretty much statewide; different regions are currently available. At this time the C.F.A. (Coastal Football Alliance), one of the strongest teams in the league, will do a spring league and summer league.
"We probably will be ended up joining the C.F.A for the 20/21 spring season," said Lawson.
Daishawn Mcfadden will be the teams head coach, with Lawson as the owner and Isaiah and Cassandra Baker as Co-Owners.
If you are interested in joining the team, you can contact Isaiah Baker at (910) 374-0990, or Chris Hughes-Lawson at (910) 496-6861.
