Dorchester Pop Warner Teams Raising Money To Compete In National Championships
BOSTON (CBS) – Two youth football teams from Boston have qualified for the National Championships at Disney World in Orlando, Florida. Dorchester Eagles Pop Warner is now hoping to send two teams to compete.
On Saturday, the Dorchester Eagles had its second team representing the 12 and 13 age division, win the New England Regional Championship in Hartford, Connecticut. Organizers tell WBZ-TV that the dilemma now is raising thousands of dollars before Friday to send its 43 players to Florida.
"We are now in a very tough position with two teams competing in the National Championships. With our great success, we now will represent all of New England in the Pop Warner National Championship which starts at the end of this week," said Coach Robert Ferrara.
The Pop Warner National Championships is held every year during the first week of December at the Disney facilities in Orlando, Florida. All teams must stay at Disney's hotel properties in order to compete.
"Most teams that compete in Orlando fly to Disney but we are taking a bus down and will have the bus for the week. The bus will have players and some coaches. Other coaches and chaperones will be making the 1000 mile trip in their personal car," explained Ferrara.
The Dorchester Eagles created a GoFundMe page called "Help the Eagles Fly to Disney World." Their fundraising goal is $60,000 to cover accommodations, transportation, food and park passes to Disney.
The teams hope to leave by bus for Florida early Friday morning. The teams are required to weigh in ahead of the games on Saturday.
