Clearwater Academy International (Florida) shutting down football program
On a day where high school football players from all over the state signed where they’ll be playing collegiately, one program that sent countless athletes onto the next level is closing up shop.
In an announcement made via X, formerly known as Twitter, Clearwater Academy International announced they are effectively shutting down football operations after 16 years.
Down below is the release from Clearwater Academy International’s Board of Trustees on ending the football program at the school.
“Clearwater Academy has a 16 year history of football. From its beginnings as a 6-man team in a 40 student high school to what it is today: a nationally known and ranked program that has sent over 80 players to college programs including some of the finest institutions in America such as Stanford, Notre Dame and Alabama.
We never conceived that Clearwater Academy could become the football powerhouse that it is today. The success of the program, given the odds that had to be overcome, is truly astounding. Head Coach Jesse Chinchar's determination and hard work has created growth and success far beyond anything that we ever imagined.
Because of its unprecedented success, the program has outgrown Florida. The future requires us playing at a national level on par with some of the top sports academies in America. After an exhaustive attempt and despite looking at all possible options, we have come to the conclusion that we cannot devote the resources to operate on this national scale. Therefore, we are unable to pursue the football program going forward.”
The Knights closing down comes as a shock to the high school football community throughout the Sunshine State, as Clearwater Academy International has been recognized as one of the top independent programs around.
Under the guidance of head coach Jesse Chinchar, the Knights continued to make strides in collecting some of the top talent in the Tampa Bay area and also had a wealth of players coming from Canada as well.
This past season, the Knights finished the regular season with a record of 5-5 and were slated to return a couple of the area’s most talented players like junior running back Antwan Raymond and freshman quarterback Joaquin Kavouklis.
Since the program’s inception back in 2008, between playing 6-man, 7-man, 8-man and 11-on-11 tackle football, the Knights compiled 140 victories.
“It’s been the greatest honor of my life to be able to be called Coach by these amazing kids,” Chinchar said. “It’s been a life changing opportunity to be apart of the journey for the program and the players. Our program will live on in the legacies left by our players and alumni.”
We will have more on this breaking story as we receive more information
-- Andy Villamarzo | villamarzo@scorebooklive.com | @sblivefl
