DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - Ten Daytona Beach area youth will attend Daytona Beach Thunder football games in the team's inaugural season as a result of a partnership between the American Indoor Football League franchise, the Daytona Times newspaper, and AM 1590 WPUL.

The Daytona Times, Daytona Beach's African-American newspaper, will coordinate the Community effort and provide trade advertising in both the paper and on AM1590 WPUL, its sister radio station.

Both the Times and WPUL are part of Tama Broadcasting, owned and operated by the family of Charles Cherry II, whose late father was an ardent civil rights activists on the local, state and national level.

"Being able to provide our area youth an opportunity to see our games is pleasing in itself,'' said Thunder Owner/CEO Zack McDonald. "But from a business standpoint we are delighted that an area media company shares our vision and is partnering with us during our first year. This year will set a foundation for a long-term partnership and we are honored to be associated with the Charles Cherry II and the Tama Broadcasting family."

"We are pleased to be in partnership with the Daytona Thunder, its staff, and Head Coach Ervin Bryson, who we have to come to respect as a person who believes in the community . It is a chance for all parties involved to do something for those less fortunate," said WPUL Program Director Phinesse Demps.

Bryson will be a guest one Thursday a month on "Express Yourself," which airs at 12 noon on AM 1590 WPUL, to discuss the Thunder's latest developments. Daytona Times and WPUL staff will assist the Thunder in providing talent for its tailgate parties, in-game entertainment and post-game concert series as well.