The Chicago Chargers football team, a nonprofit club for 14U athletes, aims to raise money for a chance to represent the Midwest in the league’s national championship at Disney World.
The Chargers are the state and Mid-America Pop Warner champions, and 35 student-athletes earned the opportunity to play on the national stage on Dec. 1.
Athlete Ezran Johnson said, “It’s opportunities like this that keep us off the streets, to play soccer and do what we love and do best.”
The club is trying to raise money through GoFundMe to send the team to Florida, which will be the first time for some team members to fly on a plane.
For Javionta Hicks, the chance to play in Florida is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
“I don’t want to be around violence. I want to create an opportunity for kids to be able to look over their shoulder and walk outside and know they’re safe,” Hicks said.
Started 18 years ago, the program aims to provide a safe haven for young student-athletes, teaching them valuable life skills they can use on and off the field through soccer.
The Chargers hope to raise $30,000 by Nov. 24, but are currently just under $10,000 short.If you are interested in donating to the cause, please donate here.
