PHOENIXVILLE, Pa. (KYW Newsradio) — Upper Providence Little League from Montgomery County earned a spot in the Little League World Series in Williamsport, with a win over Tom’s River, N.J., Thursday night.
Upper Providence will play in the regional championship game on Saturday at 6 p.m. against the winner of Friday night's game between Bear, Del., and Tom’s River (at 7 p.m.). The winner of that game also will get a spot in Williamsport.
"Five years ago, they all set a goal to make it to the Little League World Series," said Jenn McVey, whose son Ryan is on the Upper Providence Little League team.
"I used to always look at our coaches and kind of shake our heads and say, 'You know what? Let’s just let them dream big.' It’s a pipe dream, but if that motivates them and keeps them focused, let’s use it," coach Ben Ludwig said.
Ludwig's son Aiden is on the team, and he says the "coach" aspect kicked in when they clinched a spot. Now, the "dad" aspect is hitting him.
"They’re gonna be rockstars when they return to school, when the come back to the community. This is going to be something that follows them for a long, long time. It’s just cool to think about," he said.
Ricky Fanaro’s son Cooper is on the team.
"This group is one of the most unselfish group of kids — putting aside their own pride and kind of, just, whatever role is given to them, taken that role and doing the best they can with it," Fanaro said.
There are COVID-19 restrictions in place at the Little League World Series. The players are kept separate, and parents can’t give them hugs or see them after games.
"That’s been really tough," said McVey. "Lots of FaceTime. Reality is now we won’t be able to see them even longer, because even at the Little League World Series, we won't have the opportunity."
But as Cooper’s mom, Casey Noonan, puts it: "It’s hard being away from the kids. I’m sure they’re living their best life right now."