CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- A youth football team with players from the South and West sides of Chicago is raising money to travel to a tournament in Florida.
The Wolfpack Junior Football team just won an Illinois state title, but before they can compete for the national championship in Florida, the team needs $30,000 to pay for travel and lodging.
Over the weekend, coach Ernest Radcliffe and his players were out passing the helmet at 87th Street and the Dan Ryan Expressway, trying to raise money for the trip.
“It’s important for us to give our young people an opportunity to see something different,” Radcliffe told CBS 2.
He told CBS 2 that the kids have to make the trip, so they can take on teams from all over the country.
"We have an outstanding, outstanding organization, and it’s my responsibility, along with all our coaches, parents, and my wife to make sure that we get our young people down to Florida,” Radcliffe said.
The money is due Wednesday. Team has also set up a GoFundMe campaign to help raise funds.
Coach Radcliffe mentors hundreds of boys through his football and baseball programs. According to CBS 2, his efforts caught the attention of former President Barack Obama, who praised Radcliffe’s demand for excellence on the field and in the classroom.
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