More than 50 donors kicked in more than $30,000 to send the Brick City Lions teams to Walt Disney World this week
NEWARK - The Brick City Lions were on the brink of a championship run, but were nearly stopped at the goal line.
With wins at regional championship tournaments last week, the Newark-based Pop Warner football club's Pee Wee (ages 10-12) and Junior Midget (ages 11-13) teams clinched invites to the 59th Annual National Championships at Walt Disney World in Florida.
What should have been a joyous occasion, however, was overshadowed by the steep price of the trip - about $30,000 for both players and coaches.
Within a matter of days, however, the money was in hand. More than 50 supporters donated through a GoFundMe page, and local organizations such as the Parent Coalition For Excellent Education helped them raise enough for plane tickets, hotels, food and the like.
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Coach Nasir Gaines said he was "thrilled" by the support that will allow the players to compete on a national stage.
"Every young man on this team has dedicated themselves not only to football, but to values such as teamwork, togetherness and working for a greater good," he said in a statement. "Thanks to PC2E and the Newark community, we are showing these future leaders that hard work and dedication is valued and appreciated in our city."
PC2E Executive Director Muhammad Akil echoed the sentiments, saying he was happy to kick in $6,500 to help represent the organization's mission of encouraging children to achieve both in and out of the classroom.
"I know we speak for the whole city and the many who also contributed their support in sharing our pride for these young men," he said. "Travelling and representing a community is a unique and wonderful experience for a child's development and PC2E is proud to assist in ensuring this opportunity became a reality."
The national championship tournament is set to begin on Saturday, with three rounds continuing through Dec. 12. Brick City Lions are still raising funds to cover additional expenses on the trip through its GoFundMe page.
Dan Ivers may be reached at divers@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter at @DanIversNJ. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
