[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 33 (Friday, February 23, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E169-E170]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING COACH ALBERT BATES AS A DISTINGUISHED LEADER IN CENTRAL 
                    FLORIDA FOR BLACK HISTORY MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. DARREN SOTO

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, February 23, 2024

  Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, Coach Albert Bates is one of the leading 
pioneers in introducing youth sports to the Poinciana community 
alongside King Baker and Linda Cantreva. After the previous leadership 
decided to discontinue managing the Poinciana Predators to return home 
back north, he began coaching for the Predators in 1992. He wanted to 
help continue the development of youth sports programs in the Poinciana 
area because Poinciana back then was an underdeveloped community, and 
there was only one other program for the children in a fast-growing 
community to get involved in.
  He became the president of the Poinciana Predators in the mid-90s. At 
that time, the Predators played in the Central Florida Conference from 
1992 to 2000. Coach Bates and other league presidents decided to leave 
the Central Florida Conference, and by doing so, they created the Mid-
Florida Football and Cheer Conference in 1999. In 2000, the Poinciana 
Predators officially joined the MFFCC. During the existence of the 
MFFCC, Coach Bates held multiple titles, including two terms as the 
president of the conference.
  Due to the tremendous pressure of starting and helping to manage the 
MFFCC, he had to step away from managing the Predators. In 2006, after 
successfully helping the MFFCC nourish and grow, Coach Bates returned 
as the president of the Predators. In 2006, Coach Bates was not only 
the president of the Predators, but he was also president of the MFFCC. 
In 2006, the Predators became members of American Youth Football while 
remaining an active member of the MFFCC.
  In 2008, Coach Mike Ditka of the Chicago Bears presented Coach Bates 
with the AYF

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Hall of Fame award. Coach Bates was inducted into the AYF Hall of Fame 
for his long-time service in working with the youth in Central Florida 
and abroad. In 2008, Coach Bates returned to the role of president of 
the Predators and continued holding multiple titles within the MFFCC. 
In 2010. Coach Bates also worked with others and established AAU Tackle 
youth Football in Central Florida.
  Coach Bates has influenced multiple families' lives through his 
service to the Poinciana community and throughout Central Florida. In 
2011, Coach Bates did the groundbreaking when Osceola County dedicated 
the football field to the Poinciana Predators at Vance Harmon Park.
  Coach Bates has been a pillar in the community and a role model to 
the youth who have come through the program. Coach Bates' influence is 
so inspiring that former players and cheerleaders return to volunteer 
as coaches and mentors to the children in the Poinciana area.
  On February 22, 2024, Coach Albert Bates was honored as a 
distinguished leader in Central Florida for Black History Month.

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