Florida Eels Elite players had a great time with their new friends at Diplomat Elementary School in Cape Coral Florida Tuesday Morning, as they participated in Read Across America. The Florida Eels Junior program, is a very diverse and global organization. Much like us, “the students were from all over,” stated Captain JJ Diaz, “which was very cool to see.”

Players from the Elite team had the opportunity to read to multiple different classrooms Tuesday, and answered many questions about their game and position. Treyson White Florida Eels forward expressed, that he “truly enjoyed the enthusiasm and the kindness from all the children and staff at Diplomat Elementary school.” However, the reward in itself was the time spent with new friends and further developing young minds love of reading. Captain JJ Diaz stated, “reading is a such an important skill.  It’s beneficial for the brain with concentration, memory, and the ability to increase your imagination and creativity.”

Read Across America encourages visiting readers from all different professions, to come in and read to young students. It’s allows students to learn from community members and be inspired to pursue their passions.  White, Eels attendee, stated that he can only hope that the Eels were able to “inspire them to see how hard work and putting in 110% effort will help them achieve what they aspire to be.”

The Florida Eels are extremely grateful for the opportunity to have gone to Diplomat Elementary, Assistant Captain Reid Wilson states, “I loved being in the classroom. It was such a great feeling to be around so many wonderful young people. I feel like I enjoyed it as much as they did and can’t wait to do it again.” The Florida Eels look forward to future opportunities to work with our young community in the future.