Raleigh Youth Football Team Heads to Nationals After Undefeated Season
A Raleigh youth football team is preparing for one of the biggest moments in its program’s history. The Capital City Steelers 8U Pop Warner team made up of third and fourth grade athletes has earned the title of Mid South Regional Champions and is officially heading to the national championships.
The team remains undefeated this season but for Head Coach Jaware “Coach J” James the record is only part of the story. He says the boys have grown just as much off the field as on it. “Even though sometimes the outlook or whatever they are seeing may not seem too bright they know that if they work hard stay diligent stay true to themselves and the game they will definitely persevere and make it through,” James said.
Coach J describes his players as a special group that shows up ready to grow every day. “They are just a fun group to be around always willing to learn giving that extra effort a good group of kids that really love winning and love succeeding and love being coached hard sometimes and they embrace it,” he said.
The national championships will take place in Charlotte in early December where the Steelers will compete against top teams from across the country. James believes his players have the talent discipline and heart needed to bring home a championship title. “I think they have what it takes to win the national championships,” he said.
However getting the team to Charlotte comes with a significant cost. The trip is expected to be about one thousand dollars per child and the program is asking for community support to help the team make the journey. Anyone who would like to donate can do so at https://www.capitalcitysteelers.com/Default.aspx?tabid=2741157 by selecting the eight U Super Bowl option.
For the players coaches and families this opportunity represents the payoff of a season built on commitment teamwork and belief. Raleigh supporters are rallying behind the young athletes as they prepare to take the national stage and represent their city with pride.
