
DME Academy’s End-of-Year Awards Night: A Celebration of Growth, Grit, and Gratitude
April 28, 2025
A message from Jared, DME Owner and GM
Last night, nearly 300 of the DME Academy family came together to reflect, recognize, and celebrate a truly incredible season. The room was filled with players, coaches, parents, supporters, and staff—each of whom plays a vital role in shaping what DME has become.
A Year of Milestones
This past year was one of growth, success, and bold steps forward:
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35% increase in competitive players
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18 teams proudly represented DME on the field
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100+ new families joined our early development program
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43 tournament trophies (and counting!)
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Numerous league championships and first-place finishes
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Three EA National Team appearances (2010, 2009, 2006/07 age groups)
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International victories over professional clubs
But our success isn’t just measured in numbers.
It’s about the culture. The community. The mindset.
We’re here for players and parents who want to see the world through soccer. Who believe that sport—done right—teaches life skills that can’t be learned in a classroom. Just ask the four teams who recently returned from Italy, having experienced life lessons that extend far beyond the final whistle.
A Platform for the Motivated
DME Academy isn’t just a club. It’s a proving ground.
We’re launching new academic and athletic pathways right here in Sarasota. Our relationships with AFA, ZE Football in France, and IDA are opening international doors. We’re entering the NAL and FGAL leagues, elevating opportunities for all athletes.
And most importantly—we’re changing the game in this region. What we’ve built is forcing others to evolve. Because while others follow, we lead. And we’ll never stop pushing for more.
Club Callouts & Recognition
No celebration would be complete without recognizing the heartbeat of DME. These are the people who make it all happen—often behind the scenes, always all-in.
Jen Moffitt – Our conductor. The glue behind operations. From rosters to registrations to keeping this engine running, Jen is the backbone of our admin and ops. Tireless, committed, and always putting the club first.
Liz Gonzalez – A force of nature. From fundraising to creative ideas for club gatherings, Liz is everywhere and does it all—often at her own expense—because she believes in the mission. Her energy and heart are unmatched.
JT – My right-hand man. A coach, a planner, a thinker, a doer. He left his full-time job as a police officer to pour himself into DME—and hasn’t looked back.
Our Coaches – The front line of our brand. Licensed, yes—but more importantly, passionate, honest, driven, and caring. They bring energy and character every single day.
Team Managers – The unsung heroes. The middle ground between families and the club, juggling logistics and emotions with professionalism and grace. You are so appreciated.
Sponsors & Supporters – Your contributions keep us going. Every dollar makes a difference—helping us improve fields, provide better equipment, and support our coaching staff. Thank you for believing in the vision.
Paula – My foundation. My compass. Paula wears many hats—running DME, co-leading Futbol For All, and being the steady force behind our family. Without her, there is no DME.
Looking Ahead
So yes, we celebrated last night. Because we’ve earned it. But we’re not done. Not even close.
Today, we get back to doing what we do best: building something better. Creating opportunity. Changing lives through sport.
Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for trusting us. For supporting us. For being part of this journey.
We do more. Every day. And we’re just getting started.
— Jared Antista
Founder, DME Academy