ST. PETERBURG, Fla. — A youth football team will represent the Bay Area in a national championship tournament.
- St. Pete Northeast Bandits heading to national tournament
- Team is hoping to raise $5,000 to fly to Texas
The Northeast Bandits from St. Petersburg are heading to the tournament, held in Texas, for the first time ever.
Like they do on the football field, the 12-year olds were working hard yet again on Saturday, raising money to make the trip with a car wash.
Northeast President Stephen Smith says it’s not just about what they accomplished on the field. The players had to excel in the classroom too.
“They’ve earned this trip. They’ve earned it by concentrating on their school work. And putting in the hard work to be a good as they are,” Smith said.
The team will play in a 7-on-7 competitions. They won another tournament, including beating an undefeated team, to earn the right to move on.
Once in Texas, players will also get to visit the major state universities and see something their coaches hope changes their lives forever.
“Once you’ve experienced seeing that college and you see the bright lights, you talk to the athletes and coaches, you see the stadium, you will get focused. It’s becomes what you want,” Smith said.
The team is hoping to raise $5,000 to fly to Texas this Thursday.
For more information or to help with their funds, visit their Facebook page.