Eight Philly Football Players Charged in Florida Store Theft
Thursday, December 11, 2025
Eight members of the Philadelphia United Thoroughbreds youth football team face felony charges after allegedly stealing over $2,000 worth of merchandise from a Dick's Sporting Goods in Florida during a championship tournament. The incident has raised concerns about youth accountability and team consequences.
Eight teenagers from Philadelphia, ages 13-15, were arrested Saturday at a Dick's Sporting Goods store in Davenport, Florida, after allegedly stealing more than $2,000 worth of merchandise including football gloves, lip guards, and hoodies.
The teens had traveled to the area to compete in the Prolifix Nationals youth football championship tournament with the United Thoroughbreds team. Surveillance video shows the group splitting into two groups, with one group making a purchase while the other placed stolen items into a Dick's Sporting Goods bag. Three teens exited with the merchandise and were detained by law enforcement outside the store, while five others were arrested inside. The teens now face felony charges for retail theft over $750 and conspiracy to commit retail theft, and were unable to participate in the championship game that same evening, which their team ultimately lost.
Key Facts
- • Eight teenagers charged with felony retail theft and conspiracy to commit retail theft
- • More than $2,000 worth of merchandise stolen (over 47 different products)
- • Teens' ages ranged from 13 to 15 years old
- • Incident captured on store surveillance video showing coordinated theft strategy
- • None of the arrested teens had prior criminal history according to Philadelphia Juvenile Justice Services Center
- • Teens prevented from playing in championship game; team lost by 20 points
- • Polk County Sheriff reported this incident as a significant lesson on consequences and accountability