"Anything Is Possible"
At 5-foot 8-inches and 138 pounds, Larry Libertore proved that "Anything is Possible." Despite his small stature, he led the University of Florida Gator football team to the most victories in Florida football history. Larry was not only successful in football, but was a leader in his community and a successful businessman.
The Scholarship
The Larry Libertore Youth Sports Scholarship is for underprivileged boys and girls to have the opportunity to participate in sports camps, clinics, and leagues.
Larry "Little Lightning" Libertore was a standout quarterback at Miami Edison High where he was recognized with All-City, All-State, and All-American awards. Larry signed with the Gators and was a star quarterback, safety, and punt returner from 1960-1962. He was named Most Valuable Player at the 1960 Gator Bowl and was on the SEC All-Scholastic Team. Larry's 786 rushing yards remained the most by a Gator quarterback until Tim Tebow broke his record in 2007. Larry was inducted into the Gator Bowl Hall of Fame in 1994 and the University of Florida Athletic Hall of Fame as a "Gator Great" in 2005.
After college, Larry moved to Lakeland and obtained a USFL professional franchise football team, The Florida Brahmans. As GM, head coach, and player, Larry helped many young men transition into the NFL and AFL. He then went on to have a career in business as a restaurant owner, commercial developer, and owner of a real estate and insurance agency. He also served as a Florida Legislator and a Polk County Commissioner.
Larry believed in using his experience and leadership skills to make a difference in the lives of others. He served on many boards and was an active member of clubs and organizations in his community. He loved coaching little league football and sharing his passion for sports with kids.
Criteria for Youth Sports Scholarship
The Larry Libertore Youth Sports Scholarship provides funds for young athletes to successfully participate in the sport of their choice by playing in school sports, recreational leagues, and travel sports. The cost of fees and equipment are often barriers to a young athlete’s option to play and this scholarship removes those barriers.
This scholarship provides assistance with registration fees, uniforms, and equipment to help eligible youth participate in sports programs in Florida. The amount of the scholarship is based on financial need.
Criteria for consideration for the scholarship:
- The student is between the ages of 11-18
- Is a United States citizen
- Is a Florida resident
- The athlete agrees to attend a minimum of 80% of scheduled practices and games
- The applicant has a grade point average of 2.5
- Gross annual household income and number of household members per Federal Poverty Level guidelines (see the guidelines)
Applications may be submitted by a parent/guardian or a non-profit organization in Florida that serves youth, ages 0-18. For example; schools, leagues, Boys & Girls Clubs, Churches, etc. If an organization is qualifying the applicant, the parent or guardian completes the application form and turns it in to the agency for submittal. The representative verifies that the child meets the criteria and submits the application and forms. This is the preferred method for applying.
Applications submitted by a parent/guardian must also have these attachments:
- Verification of income and need for scholarship assistance (free and reduced lunch, Medicaid)
- Copy of school interim report or report card for verification that student
- adheres to the school attendance policy
- maintains a 2.5-grade point average
- has satisfactory school behavior
If a student does not meet the criteria but can show cause for assistance, attach a letter explaining the circumstance(s). The Libertore Fund for Children reserves the right to make exceptions to eligibility guidelines for reasonable extenuating circumstances.
Application for Youth Sports Scholarship
Parents/Guardians: Complete this form and give it to an agency the child is affiliated with and request that the agency submit the application. Give the agency time to meet the deadline of submitting one month prior to the start date.
Submit the application to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or via mail one month prior to the start date to:
The Libertore Fund for Children
P.O. Box 5415
Lakeland, FL 33807
