Welcome Home
Brief History and Commitment: Founded in April 2019 as the Motor City Eagles, our program began with a single purpose: to build a competitive basketball team driven by a passionate parent group determined to offer meaningful summer opportunities for youth. By February 2020, we officially rebranded as the Dragons, proudly rooted in the vibrant city of Detroit, Michigan. We take immense pride in developing our youth—on and off the court—by instilling the core values of integrity, love, and respect for both athletics and academics. As we enter our eighth year of operation in 2026, our program has plans to expand well beyond its Spring/Summer roots, in respect to local elementary and middle school seasons. Breaks will be taken during this time to ensures that our student-athletes never have to choose between school athletics and our program—we support both. Beyond sports, we are deeply committed to building life skills and social development for our youth, parents, and coaches. Our mission extends past the scoreboard—we are shaping leaders, scholars, and responsible citizens.
Program Highlights Expanded Offerings: Our 17U boys Varsity compete on the Prep Hoops Circuit (2025) will gaining national exposure. We are excited to announce that our 17u girls Varsity will be doing the same starting in 2026. Our other teams compete in Michigan-based tournaments, with at least one out-of-state tournament in July.
Focus on Academics: We believe in developing student-athletes, not just athletes. Our practices are intense, and we integrate academic support and study sessions to ensure our youth thrive in the classroom.
Support System: Our parents remain the backbone of the program. Their dedication fuels our continued growth and success.
Leadership Opportunities: We are always seeking committed, passionate, and trustworthy coaches to lead our youth both on and off the court.
Our Motto: “We WORK hard to WIN easy” This philosophy goes far beyond sports—it’s a way of life. We teach our youth that hard work leads to success, whether on the court, in the classroom, or in their communities. Our program is built on integrity, not influence—we do not pressure student-athletes to attend specific high schools. Instead, we support each family in making the best choices for their future.
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Fredrick Adams, Jr.
Founder & CEO Dragons Youth Athletic
Program Integrity. Development. Excellence.
How we help...
Motor City Dragons Athletics give opportunity to youth who have been overlooked because of their skill-set or their struggles in the classroom. We are designed to strengthen our young men and women weaknesses so that they can have the same opportunity as everyone else to further their education and possibly their athletic careers.
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We practice sportsmanship, as well as developing foundational skills in both the classroom and on the playing field. Teaching our young men and women how to become leaders of tomorrow.
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We provide experiences of playing in front of high school and college coaches. We also offer tutoring and mentoring to help develop skills and improve performance in the classroom.
In Loving Memory of Harry "Ace" Lloyd, Jr.
Harry 'Ace' Lloyd, Jr. was more than a friend—he was family to our program. A man who loved his daughters deeply and lived a life defined by integrity, joy, and unwavering passion for football. Ace’s love for the game began in his youth with the Cubs in Detroit, Michigan, and that same passion stayed with him throughout his life. He was a beacon of positivity and energy—someone whose presence brought fun, laughter, and a sense of belonging to everyone around him. His impact on the Dragons Youth Athletic Program is immeasurable. Plans were already in place for Ace to become the overseer of our football division, which is scheduled to launch within the next five years. Although he is no longer with us physically, his vision and passion will continue to guide us forward.
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Honoring a Legacy: ACE FIELD
In honor of his commitment and spirit, we are proud to announce our long-term plans to build a football stadium that will bear his name: ACE FIELD. This will not only serve as a home for our future athletes but also as a tribute to a man who believed in community, fun, and the power of sport to change lives. Anyone who knew Ace knows he wanted everyone around him to enjoy life—and that’s exactly what we’ll continue to do. His legacy will live on through every laugh, every touchdown, and every life impacted through this program. Rest in Power, Ace. Your memory fuels our mission.
#LongLiveAce #AceField #DragonsLegacy