Help 7v7 Elite Rise from the Ashes

Help Rebuild 7v7 Elite – From the Ashes to a Future for Athletes

The Fire That Changed Everything

On Tuesday, a devastating fire tore through our U-Haul storage facility behind Merritt Island Mall, destroying more than a dozen units — including ours. Our unit was home to all of our gear, equipment, and supplies that keep 7v7 Elite running.

As first responders worked to contain the blaze and begin cleanup, they uncovered something no one expected — a live grenade in a neighboring unit. The fire did not start in our unit, but may have begun in a unit that stored a motorcycle, multiple propane tanks, and other "banned" items. Because the scene was dangerous and remained under investigation, everyone’s belongings — including ours — had to sit out in the elements for days before we were allowed to retrieve anything.

We were only allowed in today to see what, if anything, could be saved. The back of our F-150 is all we brought home — and even that gear is soaked, water and smoked damaged, and may not be usable.

What We Lost

After taking inventory, we estimate our losses are between $30,000 and $40,000. Included but not limited to 7 out of 8 of our commercial tents, all of our event banners and flags, every one of our soft shell helmets (used when teams or players don’t have their own), our electronics, including iPads, radios/walkie-talkies, smoke machines, backup battery units, most of our pylons and field markers, and all of our temporary fencing.

These aren’t just “extras” — they’re the core of what allows us to run safe, professional, and exciting events for our athletes and their families.

Faith in the Midst of Loss

We want to thank God for all His blessings, even in the middle of this storm. I’ve been praying recently for patience, and for the wisdom to recognize His plans over my own. This is not what I expected — but it feels like it may be exactly what He had in mind to teach me those things.

We want to thank every single person who has reached out — our personal friends and family, the teams, athletes’ families, coaches, and even our partners and sponsors — for your support, prayers, and encouragement. The idea of starting a GoFundMe came from multiple people telling us, “You need to do this — we want to help.”

The Race Against Time

It took us five years to build 7v7 Elite into what it is today — the gear, the infrastructure, the reputation. Now, after losing nearly everything, we have just four months to rebuild if we want to start the 2026 season in January as planned.

Without immediate help, the upcoming season — and the opportunities it creates for thousands of athletes — is at serious risk.

Who We Are

7v7 Elite isn’t just a football tournament series — it’s a platform for young athletes to showcase their talent, grow in character, and open doors to opportunities they may never have had.

From Tampa to Viera, Fort Lauderdale to Jacksonville and on to Panama City, we’ve built a community of athletes, coaches, and families united by the love of the game and the pursuit of excellence. Many of our players have gone on to earn college scholarships, we believe in part to the skills they've honed and connections they gained through 7v7 Elite.

Why We’re Asking for Help

Our immediate goal is to replace the essential gear so we can continue to host events and give athletes a stage to shine. Without it, thousands of young athletes will lose a critical stepping stone toward their dreams.

Our Bigger Vision

If we’re blessed enough to raise more than we need to rebuild, we have a plan:

Establish a 501(c)(3) non-profit

Create a scholarship fund to help deserving athletes continue their education after high school — whether through full or partial awards for college, trade school, or other academic opportunities.

Your donation doesn’t just rebuild equipment — it rebuilds hope, opportunity, and the future for youth athletes across Florida and beyond. Our very first event last year brought teams from 8 different states here!

How You Can Help

Donate what you can — every dollar makes a difference.

Share this campaign with friends, family, and networks.

Follow us on social media for updates, progress reports, and stories and highlights of the athletes and programs you’re helping.

Together, we can turn this setback into a launchpad for something greater.

Thank you for believing in 7v7 Elite, our athletes, and our mission.