TOMS RIVER – A nonprofit youth football organization serving underprivileged children in several Ocean County communities is recruiting players for its upcoming spring season.
The Garden State Tribe, a spring football program entering its fourth year in 2026, recently held tryouts for its 12U, 14U and 15U teams and is still looking to fill several roster spots, according to program founder Frank Roder.
The organization focuses on providing opportunities for children from Toms River, Beachwood, Ocean Gate and Bayville. While the program is open to all athletes, Roder said its mission centers on removing barriers that often prevent underprivileged youth from participating in organized sports.
To that end, the Garden State Tribe provides transportation to and from practices and games and offers academic support, including tutoring, to help players maintain their grades. Several members of the coaching staff are school teachers, Roder said, reinforcing the program’s emphasis on education alongside athletics.
The team is coming off a strong 2025 season in which it finished undefeated before falling in the final moments of the championship game.
Practices and home games are held at West Dover Elementary School in Toms River.
Families interested in learning more about the program or registering a player can contact Roder by email at gstribefootball@gmail.com or by phone at 609-342-3707.
