Presidential Sharks Youth Track Team Profile

The Presidential Sharks Elite program began with a simple but ambitious goal: to shape young

athletes into disciplined, respectful individuals both on and off the field. Our mission has always

been about more than football. It’s about building leaders, teaching life lessons, and creating

opportunities that leave a lifelong impact.

One story that stands out involves a young athlete named Marcus. When Marcus joined the

Sharks, he was a quiet and reserved 12-year-old, unsure of his abilities and struggling to find

his place. Football became his outlet—a space where he could grow and learn in a supportive

environment.

Early on, Marcus struggled with fundamentals and confidence, often feeling overshadowed by

more naturally gifted players. But what set Marcus apart was his determination. He never

missed a practice, stayed late to work on his technique, and absorbed every lesson about

discipline, teamwork, and respect.

Midway through the season, our team traveled to an out-of-state tournament. It was Marcus's

first time leaving his hometown, and it was clear he was both excited and nervous. During a

pivotal game, with the score tied and time running out, Marcus stepped up. He executed a

perfect block that set up the game-winning touchdown. The crowd erupted, and for the first time,

Marcus stood tall, realizing the impact of his hard work.

What made the moment truly special wasn’t just the play—it was the way his teammates rallied

around him, celebrating not only the win but also Marcus’s growth. The tournament was a

turning point for him. He returned home more confident, excelling not only in football but also in

school and other aspects of his life.

Today, Marcus is a high school senior, serving as a team captain and maintaining a 4.0 GPA. He

credits the Presidential Sharks Elite for teaching him how to persevere, respect others, and

believe in himself. He often returns to practices to mentor younger players, embodying the

mission of our program: to create not just great athletes, but great people.

Marcus’s story reflects the essence of what we strive to achieve. Football is the foundation, but

the lessons learned—discipline, teamwork, respect, and resilience—are what truly transform

lives. Whether on the field or traveling the world, our goal is to give each player the tools they

need to succeed, not just in sports but in life. He will now mentor our start-up team athletes for

the Presidential Sharks Elite Track Team, supported by Sustainable Jersey City.