The 6th Annual Toys for Tots Charity Football Game is in the Books!
Every year the Gladiators have given boxes of toys to needy families at Christmas. This year was a big success both for the kids and for the Gladiators.
In December every year the Gladiators host a team from a different league where the fee to get into the game is simply a toy for the kids. In the picture above you can see Derek and Rose Greenwood standing with the Marine's who happily accepted the toys.
In the game that occurred between the Southwest Florida Gladiators, your 3 time defending FFA Champions took on the Bay Area Reapers. The Reapers were a much better team than the last time these two team met but they were still no match for the Gladiators. Gladiators won 39 - 0. The Gladiators ended 2019 with a 29 - 0 win in the Alliance Bowl to give them the title of FFA Champion of the state of Florida. Then started the 2020 season with another outstanding performance and another shutout. 2020 looks promising in their quest for a 4th title and a
3 - Peat.
News
09/21/2018 - The Southwest Florida Gladiators have announced the appointment of a new director/co-owner from within their organization. Gerald Perry has been promoted to the position of Director/ co-owner.
“He represents everything we aspire to be in a football organization. He has a remarkable understanding of the players, their reaction and the game and is well respected.” Says Derek Greenwood, CEO of the Southwest Florida Gladiators.
Sources familiar with the teams thinking see that the Gladiators are at a new point in the team's development'. Gerald Perry is a Sarasota native and Sarasota High graduate with local ties to the Manatee-Sarasota area. He has 15 years of experience as a mentor/coach with leadership and motivational skills. Coach Perry has been with the Gladiators for many years and has become a student of the game of football. Plus, with his experience as the assistant Head coach and Defensive Coordinator of Sarasota Riverview High School, Coach Perry has the talent and leadership to continue the Southwest Florida Gladiator's success.
“I’m Blessed, this is a special team, an incredible opportunity, and a big thank you to the Greenwoods for bringing me into ownership. We will as an organization lead a disciplined and determined path and continue to build on our success.” Perry said.
01/10/2018 - GLADIATORS WELCOME 20+ PATRIOTS AND COACHES
It is official, the Tampa Patriots have ceased operations for the 2018 season. The best of those players have decided to come and join the Gladiators making what some are calling a Dream Team. On paper it makes the Glads the clear favorite to win it all in 2018. But as we all know, football is not played on paper. This is a season you will not want to miss.
11/09/2017 - OFFICIAL PRACTICES ARE UNDERWAY
We have just completed our 4th week of official practice for the 2018 FFA Football Season. There is a lot of excitement in the air with all of the new talented rookies and free agent veterans that have signed with the Gladiators. Don't miss the first preseason game on December 9th at Lakewood Ranch Park where all of this new talent will be on display.
08/14/2017 - FIRST TRYOUT A BIG SUCCESS
The Gladiators hosted the first new player tryout of 2017 on August 13th. 6 new players signed and will be coming to play. The next tryout is August 27th and we can't wait to see who will join the Gladiators then.
05/31/2017 - COACH SIMON WILLIAM BECOMES GLADIATOR'S RUNNING BACK COACH
Simon Williams has joined the Gladiator coaching staff as the running backs coach. Simon Williams for many years was a force at running back. At the end of year awards party, Coach Perry finally got Simon to join the coaching staff to pass on his running back knowledge to the young up and coming running backs that will be joining us in 2018. Welcome Coach Williams!
05/19/2017 - GLADIATORS RECEIVE MULTIPLE FFA AWARDS
We recently attended the end of year FFA awards banquet where the Gladiators walked away with 5 awards, most of any team. It started with the Divisional Championship plaque and then moved on to individual awards. Congratulations to Alonco Carnes who was awarded the trophy for Best Running Back in the League and the overall MVP. Ryan McManus was given the award for Offensive Lineman of the Year and Head Coach Gerald Perry was given the award for Coach of the Year.
04/01/2017 - GLADIATORS DIVISION CHAMPIONS AND FINISH REGULAR SEASON UNDEFEATED
03/06/2017 - GLADIATORS RANKED #1 OVERALL IN THE FFA
The Gladiators have risen from #8 at the start of the season up to #1 in the FFA Power Rankings as they remain unbeaten.
03/05/2017 - GLADIATORS LAST REMAINING UNBEATEN TEAM IN THE FFA
The Gladiators have done what everyone said was impossible. They have rebuilt the team with youth and speed and have gone unbeaten up to this point. On Feb 25 they took a big step by beating the then #1 team in the FFA and Divisional rival the Tampa Patriots. The Gladiators were down 16-0 in the second quarter but then scored 20 unanswered points to beat the Patriots 20-16. Then with the loss by the Hollywood Browns the Gladiators are 5-0 and the only unbeaten team.
01/08/2017 - GLADIATORS WIN FINAL PRESEASON GAME
The Gladiators closed out the 2017 Preseason with a 31-12 victory over the Deacons on their home field of Lakewood Ranch Park.
The Deacons have had a name change. Last year they were called the Veterans. This year they were a combination of two different teams in the hopes of forming a powerhouse. But they were no match for the Gladiators who had the 31-12 point lead partially through the 3rd quarter and didn't push to score any more.
They were able to get a good look at all of the rookies and see what they have to still correct before the start of the regular season on January 28th.
The regular season starts on January 28th at their home field of Lakewood Ranch Park. Come out and watch a great football game as we will take on the South Florida Chargers for the very first time.
The gate opens at 5:30pm with a 6:00pm kickoff. Admission is $10.00 for adults and $5.00 for kids 7-11.
12/17/2016 - 3rd ANNUAL TOYS FOR TOTS GAME
The 3rd annual Toys for Tots game was a huge success. We were proud to collect from our fantastic fans over 5 huge boxes of toys. Plus the Gladiators won the game 46 - 0 over the visiting St. Petersburg Sabers. How is that for a great night!
10/27/2016 - FIRST PRACTICE SET RECORDS
The first official practice of the 2016 season occurred last night at Lincoln Park and it set attendance records. We opened the season with more players in attendance then ever before. There is a lot of new talent adding to the returning veterans which promises to be very exciting. We even had some fans in the stands watching practice which we send out a warm Gladiator welcome to.
9/12/2016 - STILL TIME TO TRYOUT FOR THE GLADIATORS
The tryouts have been such an success this season that we have decided to extend the time to tryout for a bit longer. Starting September 18 and going through October 16th, you may come to any of the workouts and try to make the team. Just bring your cleats and be at Lakewood Ranch Park at 5:00 pm. Be ready to run, jump and work hard.
9/12/2016 - FINAL TEAM TRYOUT WAS A SUCCESS
The final dedicated team tryout was a success. We found 5 more players that made the cut. Now that they are able to practice with the team we will see how many can earn playing time. Thank you all and welcome to the Gladiators!
8/31/2016 - We are very sad to announce the loss of one of our own. Coach Matt Brown passed today. Coach Matt Brown, the father of Head Coach Gerald Perry, was a Gladiator thru and thru. One of his proudest moments was watching the Gladiators and his son win the 2015 FFA Championship. Our heart felt love goes out to his friends and family, he will be missed.
8/22/2016 - FINAL TEAM TRYOUT ANNOUNCED FOR SEPTEMBER 11th
The final group team tryout was announced today and it will be held on September 11th at 5:00pm at Lakewood Ranch Park Bulldogs field. All positions are welcome. We are looking hard for QBs, CBs, Kickers and Linemen. If you know someone who has the skills, desire and dedication to be a Gladiator, make sure they come to this tryout.
8/21/2016 - SECOND TEAM TRYOUT WAS A RAVING SUCCESS
This Sunday there was an influx of new talent, in fact it was the largest number of new players we have ever signed in a single day. Coach Perry put everyone in attendance through a bunch of tests and then worked everyone out in individual drills. That was followed by a light 11 on 11 practice. We were impressed with the dedication of all the players in attendance. Thank you all and welcome to the Gladiators!
8/20/2016 - JASON GREENWOOD NAMED TEMPERARY PRESEASON SPECIAL TEAMS COORDINATOR
Coach Lee is unavailable to coach Special Teams until January 2017. In his absence Jason Greenwood is being named interim Special Teams Coordinator. Coach Greenwood is an active player so in January before the season starts, Jason will turn the coaching duties back over to Coach Lee.
8/16/2016 - DALLAS DUNCAN NAMED ASSISTANT SPECIAL TEAMS COACH
Coach Duncan has been a long time Gladiator receiver and Special Teams stand out. Coach Duncan has decided to hang up his cleats and join the Gladiators as Coach Lee's Special Teams Assistant Coach. Welcome Coach Duncan.
8/7/2016 - THE FIRST TEAM TRYOUT WAS A SUCCESS
5 new players became Gladiators during the first team tryout of 2016. Welcome to the Gladiators!
8/7/2016 - BRIAN HARVEY NAMED DEFENSIVE LINE COACH
Coach Harvey has been a long time force on the Gladiator defensive line. In fact it was Brian Harvey and Duane Porter who anchored the defensive line that dominated the Miami Bulls in the 2015 FFA Championship game. We look forward to what we know will be a great season for the Gladiator defensive line with Coach Harvey.
8/6/2016 - BIG NEWS FROM THE ANNUAL FFA OWNERS MEETING
8 new teams were accepted into the FFA. The teams were the Flagler Knights, Ocala Panthers, Muck City Saber Cats, River City Commandos, Hollywood Browns, Twin County Raiders, Anclote Pirates and the North Florida Rams. Teams lost were the Orlando Rage (folded), the Miami Spartians (field issues) and the Blackhawks (team issues). So right now the FFA stands at 17 teams up from last years 12 teams. There are also 3 additional possible teams to add to the list before it is closed. There will be a hard limit of 20 teams in the league. For the Gladiators the addition of the Anclote Pirates and the Ocala Pathers makes our 2017 travel schedule much easier than that of the 2016 season.
Also of note is that ever single Minor League Champion team from the state of Florida is now in the FFA. There is no doubt that the FFA is the Super League of Florida and maybe the best league in the USA.
8/1/2016 - DUANE PORTER ANNOUNCED AS NEW GM FOR PLAYER RECRUITMENT
Duane Porter for years was a star Gladiator player. This year however he has decided to take on a new responsibility with the team and we are delighted. Duane will be in charge of player recruitment. He will be bring the best and brightest talent to the Gladiators for the 2017 season. We can't wait to see the 2017 Gladiators on the field.
7/28/2016 - GERALD PERRY ANNOUNCED AS NEW HEAD COACH
Gerald Perry has been announced as the new Head Coach for the Southwest Florida Gladiators. Coach Perry was the interim Head Coach when the Gladiators won the 2015 FFA Championship. Coach Perry will be bringing a highly organized system to the Gladiators which will complement the amazing talent. We can't wait to see the new look Gladiators. Watch out Bulls!
4/31/16 - HEAD COACH GERALD BENTON RELEASED.
Today, Head Coach Gerald Benton was released and will not return to the Gladiators. The search for a new Head Coach has already started and will be announced as soon as a decision is made.
9/13/2015 - GERALD BENTON ANNOUNCED AS HEAD COACH
Gerald Benton has been announced as the Head Coach for the Southwest Florida Gladiators. Coach Benton is known for time as the Head Coach for the Sarasota Millionaires.
5/31/2015 - COACH JOHN KIRBY AWARDED DEFENSIVE COACH OF THE YEAR
Coach John Kirby was awarded FFA Defensive Coach of the Year for the outstanding performance of the 2015 Gladiator Defense. Derrick Hugine accepted the award on Coach Kirby's behalf.
5/30/2015 - GLADIATORS WIN ALLIANCE BOWL VIII
The Southwest Florida Gladiators upset the defending champion Magic City Bulls with a 51-27 slaughtering. With a halftime score of 38-0, the game was very quickly out of hand. The Offensive MVP was awarded to Joshua "Rooster" Shannon. The Defensive MVP was awarded to Brandon Johnson.
3/25/2015 - Derrick Hugine and T.J. Grzesikowski, Week 2 FFA Players of the Week
Derrick Hugine and T.J. Grezesikowski were awarded the FFA Defensive and Special Teams Players of the week, respectively, for their Week 5 performances against the Jacksonville X-Men. Hugine had 12 tackles, 2 for a loss, a sack, and a safety. Grezesikowski had 194 yards on 5 punts (38.0 yard average). Both performances were critical in securing the win against the Jacksonville X-Men.
2/15/2015 - CRAIG CARNES & T.J. GREZESIKOWSKI, WEEK 2 FFA PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
Craig Carnes and T.J. Grezesikowski were awarded the FFA Offensive and Special Teams Players of the week, respectively, for their Week 2 performances against the Orlando Phantoms. Carnes had 170 yards on 13 carries (13.1 yards per carry average) with 1 TD. Grezesikowski had 206 yards on 4 punts (51.5 yard average). Both performances were critical in securing the win against the previously #2 ranked Orlando Phantoms.
2/08/2015 - KEON HINES, WEEK 1 FFA DEFENSIVE PLAY OF THE WEEK
The FFA has awarded Southwest Florida Gladiators' player Keon Hines with Defensive Player of the Week for his week 1 performance against the Tampa Patriots. Hines had two interceptions, one returned for a touchdown. That defensive score proved to be the difference in the Gladiators' 12-7 win over the Patriots.
1/28/2015 - BRADENTON HERALD ARTICLE
"Minor-league football | Southwest Florida Gladiators have new owners, same goal" -http://www.bradenton.com/2015/01/27/5604022_minor-league-football-southwest.html
12/24/2014 - 2015 SCHEDULE (Major Changes)
The schedule for the 2015 season has been almost entirely remade. The only two games that have not changed are week 9 and week 10. The changes were precipitated by the Winter Garden Renegades suspending operations for the 2015 season.
11/19/2015 - 2015 SCHEDULE (UPDATE)
The schedule for the 2015 FFA Schedule has been released. We start the season at home against the Gainesville Gators on January 31st at G.T. Bray Park.
11/08/2014 - 2015 SCHEDULE
The schedule for the 2015 FFA football season is being set today. As long as all teams have met their obligations, we hope to release the schedule this weekend. Keep an eye on our Facebook page for the announcement.
10/25/2014 - SCRIMMAGE
The Southwest Florida Gladiators are preparing to take on the Brooksville Ballers in a scrimmage Saturday, October 25th at 7:00 PM. This is the first test against another squad for the 2015 Gladiators. Location is the Veterans Memorial Park (map) in Hudson Florida. No admission fee. Fans, Friends, and Family are always welcome.
9/07/2014 - 2015 REGISTRATION BEGINS
The Southwest Florida Gladiators have officially begun registering players for the 2015 season. If you missed the registration event, please contact us at swflgladiators@outlook.com for the registration forms. Registration is required before you will be allowed to participate in practice (starting October 7th). Registration Fees and Team/League Fees can be paid to swflgladiators@outlook.com via PayPal, or in person with a check or cash.
8/21/2014 - 2015 TEAM MEETING
Last night the Southwest Florida Gladiators held their first official meeting at PAL. The turnout was excellent, and the response was universally positive. These are exciting times for the Gladiators. We'd like to thank all the players that were able to attend.
7/26/2014 - FFA MEMBERSHIP
The Southwest Florida Gladiators are now official members of the Florida Football Alliance. The announcement was made via the FFA website.
7/22/2014 - FFA MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION (UPDATE)
The FFA has confirmed the receipt of our application to join the league for the 2015 season. We'll post the outcome to our Facebook page as soon as possible after the voting is done. Should be around 4PM on Saturday 7/26/2014.
7/18/2014 - FFA MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION
The Southwest Florida Gladiators have submitted their official application to the FFA. On 7/26/2014 the team will attend the formal application meeting in Orlando. The new Gladiator management staff has been working directly with the old Gladiator ownership to ensure a smooth transition. The application process is expected to go smoothly. We'll announce it here and on our Facebook page when we have further news regarding our application to the FFA.
7/16/2014 - FLORIDA NON-PROFIT
The Southwest Florida Gladiators are now officially a Florida Non-Profit. The team received their official paperwork and identification number today. This allows the team to move forward with the next step in applying for membership in the FFA for the 2015 season.
7/13/2014 - NEW LOGO
The Southwest Florida Gladiators have finalized their new logo. Shirts and hats for the coaching and administrative staff have been ordered. Fan apparel will be available soon. We'll announce it here and on our Facebook page.