The purpose of the Gladiators is not only playing football but to give back to the community they represent. The team would like to open up doorways for many opportunities. The Gladiators and the AzFL will assist getting players back into school. We use the league as a platform for exposure to players that feel they would like to go back to school and possibly play football, but keep in mind, education comes first! If you feel that you have the passion and determination to excel in sports and want to receive an education at the same time, the AzFL can assist with those that are truly interested. Education is the most important thing in life to receive. Allow the AzFL to help you achieve this goal!

James and Phil would also like to incorporate community service for their players to participate in. One example is something known as the backpack challenge. James and Phil have seen the success first hand with this event through their company. The backpack challenge is aimed towards children that need assistance during the school year. Backpacks are filled with various assortments of school supplies for children that don't have a well set life. Children are our future and assistance is always needed. Please support a great cause. Another example of an event we would encourage our players and league to participate in is the Susan G Komen Breast Cancer Foundation walk. These are just some examples of things we would encourage all players to participate in. There are things in life that are bigger than football. By giving back to the community and to those that need it more, the gesture will live a lifetime.

As mentioned previously, the Gladiators were formed for various reasons. As an organization, James and Phil came up with specific ideas that needed to be incorporated into their program if they wanted to be successful.

The first item on their agenda was to form a coaching staff. Due to a severe knee injury in the 2005 season, Phil decided it was time to take full control over the team and coach. He knew that a successful team is one that has coaches that teach the fundamentals of football and have a game plan from week to week. In addition, each unit on the team will go through repitition of plays to learn all responsibilities on the field. With the assistance of an offensive co-ordinator, defensive co-ordinator and special teams coach that don't play for the team, the team has now formed a non-biased unit within itself. James and Phil know it is hard to play and coach at the same time, that is why they decided to create a coaching staff that sets the tempo for the team to follow.

The next item on their agenda was conditioning. It is proven that a well conditioned team will outlast any other team on the field that isn't conditioned. This is why they chose the name Gladiator for their team name. A Gladiator will fight to the very end and will always give their all. In terms of football, each player must last all 4 quarters until the game clock reads 0:00. This year, the Gladiators started their conditioning shortly after the 2005 season ended. They decided to get a head start on the rest of the league. Each week, the team goes through a series of agility and technique drills.

Another item on their agenda is discipline. Each player will become disciplined when playing for this team. Penalties will cost a team the game. A well disciplined team has reduced errors and takes control of the their opponent when playing on the same page. A well disciplined team will show character, trust, loyalty and honesty to all players and staff within the league.

Finally, committment is the most important asset each player and coach must have when playing any type of organized sport, especially if you want to play or coach with the Gladiators. If you think you don't have this quality as a player or coach, the Gladiator organization would request you not to inquire about their team. Think of this team as you would with a job you work for. If you don't have committment to work for a company, the probablity of your employment most likely will not last long. This is the same case if you want to play or coach with the Gladiators. Only the committed are accepted into their family! We require each player and coach to give 100% of their time when attending practice and events. A well disciplined and committed team will always show these atributes to its coaches, players and peers. Without these elements, there will be no team.

This is just the beginning of something good for the AzFL and the Scottsdale community. The Gladiators team is looked upon as a business and a great family. The image we will display will be in the most professional manner on and off the field. If you feel that this is something you would like to be a part of and have all the qualities neccessary to meet these requirements, come join us and our mission. Once you inquire, information about team fees, sponsorships and league registration will be supplied.

On behalf of the owners, staff, players and league, we would like to take the opportunity to thank you for visiting our web-page. For more information, please click on this link Gladiators E-Mail