The Anderson Monarchs, a South Philadelphia-based youth sports organization located at the Marian Anderson Rec Center on South 17th Street, offers more than just athletics; they provide a supportive community and opportunities that help student-athletes from FSS and neighboring schools excel both on and off the field.
Founded in 1995 by Steve Bandura, the Monarchs have become a resource for underserved youth at the Marian Anderson Rec Center. The Monarchs offer programs in soccer, basketball, and baseball while fostering leadership and academic development.
Two FSS baseball players, Miles Lesser ‘26 and Jayce Fairfax ‘29, discovered the Anderson Monarchs through a mix of personal connections, coaching referrals, and the program’s strong reputation. “I started with the Monarchs when my high school coach gave me an incredible opportunity to attend a winter camp during my freshman year,” Miles said. Miles has been with the Monarchs for three years now, and is now playing on the 17U team as he prepares for the college baseball recruitment process.
Similarly, Jayce, recalled his early experience with the team: “I joined the Monarchs when I was about 11 with the help of Coach Rob. I gave him a call, and he helped me get into the organization. From there, I started practicing more and got to know all the coaches, who’ve been great mentors to me.” Jayce gave a shout out to all of his coaches like Steve Bandura, Amos Huron, and Demetrius Issac, crediting them as being a big part of why he appreciates the Monarchs as much as he does.
For Jayce, the Monarchs stand out due to their commitment to fostering a supportive community that values friendship and camaraderie. “What makes the Anderson Monarchs community so special to me is the sense of togetherness,” Jayce said. The environment and his teammates have been instrumental in creating a sense of belonging and teamwork for Jayce. “Being able to come here and see familiar faces—my friends—means a lot. I know them, and they know me.”
Beyond youth sports, the Monarchs also play a key role in helping athletes pursue their college athletic goals and have even produced many MLB draft picks.. “The Monarchs have played a huge role in my college process,” Miles explained. “Even though it’s just beginning for me, they’ve already given me a lot of exposure to college coaches. It helps me get used to that kind of environment, and the high-level coaching really prepares me for the next step.”
The Anderson Monarchs continue to provide opportunities that go far beyond the game, helping young athletes achieve their dreams in sports and life. Both Miles and Jayce highlighted the impact the program has had on their growth as both an athlete and a person.“It’s truly been an incredible journey as a Monarch,” Jayce said.
