The New Haven Steelers are gearing up for the national championship game in Charlotte, North Carolina next month, but they need help getting there.
Over the next week, the Pop Warner youth football team is raising money for transportation, hotel and food for 29 players.
The federal grant they rely on was cut in half this year, so their fundraising goal has doubled to a total of $38,000.
As back-to-back regional champions, the team has been working extra hard, even in Tuesday evening’s pouring rain, to make it all the way this year.
“We started in the summertime, mid-July, heat index is 90 plus, we have rainy days like today, windy days, but we’re out here,” Leonard Jahad, the New Haven Steelers vice president, said. “The kids have really worked hard, not only in the football field, but also school. We have scholar athletes.”
Jahad added that the players would receive tutoring for the 10 days they’re in Charlotte so there isn’t a gap in learning.
The team advancing to nationals is made up of 12- and 13-year-old boys.
“For some of these kids, just making it out of Connecticut is a big thing,” Cameron Davis, New Haven Steelers offensive and defensive line coach, said. “So with them going down there and being able to showcase their skills, their athleticism, that means a lot to them.”
The Pop Warner Super Bowl and National Championships start Dec. 6 in Charlotte, North Carolina.
The team is collecting donations here.
