Ft. Lauderdale Fighting Squids

The weekend has passed and 3 of the best teams in the nation and the national team have all departed home. The weather has actually cooled and we've had a few days to reflect back on the accomplishments of the past weekend:

The Fighting Squids and Florida Redbacks combined this past weekend at the faststream Spring Invitational as they plan to do throughout the course of the year. The thing that impressed most players and fans was not just how well they played, but how well the two squads played together, given this was there first official grouping.

The Grounds were in prime condition and laid out East to West. While the field seemed a bit short, the width more then made up for it in the 85 degree heat and 70% humidity.  The Florida side fell early to a surge by the Baltimore/DC Eagles. However they rallied back in a surprise upset against the Denver Bulldogs in the middle of the day. A close match up seemed to slip away in the waning minutes against the New York Magpies, leaving the Unified Florida Team at 1-2 for the day agains the #1, #2, & #5 teams in the nation. With best on ground votes for the weekend going to: Alex M (RB), CJ (RB), Ryan (RB), Ryan M (SQ), John (SQ), and Phil D (SQ). The combined side from Florida showed excellent teamwork & skill.

The Sunday match up however really summed up the season to date for the Florida boys. With just 16 showing and loaning 6 from the Revos, The Florida side stayed within ~20 points final score of the Revos, a feat not accomplished the day prior by a composite of all teams. A unified Florida team looks forward to the rest of their schedule and hopes to make a serious run at either Div 2 or 3 in Colorado Springs this October.

For more information on scores and stats head over to www.usfootynews.com

A special thanks Goes out to all of the Following: Phil D (SQ), Jimmy M (SQ), Jon P (SQ), Jezza (SQ), Mike H (SQ), Cameron P (SQ), Nathan E (SQ), the morning setup Crew (SQ & RB), The Food Crew (SQ & RB),The Voice of the Squids Mark Diamond (SQ), Tom and his truck (SQ), Alex (RB), Marcus (SQ), OC (SQ), Grandpa Rich (SQ), & Everyone else that volunteered items, time, and resources.

UPDATE: Click here for the full info packet in adobe PDF format (8Mb)

You have asked, you have wondered and finally we are updating. The spring invitational is less then 2 weeks away and the info is here. Here's the latest info for all those traveling:

When is it: April 11-13th
Where is it: Ft. Lauderdale, Fl (Stadium is in Lauderhill, FL) at Broward Central Regional Park
What hotel should I book: tourney.fightingsquids.com If you need an alternative hotel please let us know
Who's In: Currently there are 6 teams slated to play with invitations out to 4 more.
Calendar of Events:
-Friday the 11th: Social and drawing for thematch lineup. (Time and location coming)
-Saturday the 12th: The Tournament Commences from 10am-8pm.
Major Sponsored Social event 9pm-???
-Sunday the 13th: Final Match/es, and more. Last match and events should be finalized by 3pm on Sunday

So those are the basics, now for the Questions. Click on read more to see over 20 common questions about the tournament answered. If you have your own questions to add to the list email us here...

As annouced earlier today videos, highlights, and all sorts of media will be available for the squids and their supporters this year. How else could we possibly keep you involved, Well Tipping thats how!!!

Tipping for those unfamiliar is similar to american football pickem or "Fantasy football" in Tiopping you will pick which squad will win each week. At the end of the season the person with the most correct "Tips" will win prizes and free passes to the Grand Final Celebration.

You can join our tipping contest by clicking the link here... We are running our league on www.footytips.com.au. Sign up today and join us for a great season of tips!!! For more details on which league and passwords click the read more button below.

This past weekend saw the kickoff to the 2008 Professional season with Round 1 of the preseason NAB cup being played in Dubai. This years first match was played between Collingwood and Adelaide.  The rest of the season picks up this weekend and can be seen on Setanta Sports on your choice of either Dish Network, or Direct Tv for a monthly fee. Setanta carries 3 matches a week and they are usually annouced a week prior. Click on "Read More" below to find out how you can see EVERY match this season.

Squids, Practices are every Wednesday and every Friday at Central Broward Regional Park. Please check your emails in case of change. all practices begin at 7pm unless notified in the weekly emails. Read more important info after the jump.