Local youth football teams head to national championship game in Orlando

Some local children's football teams are in Florida to compete for a national championship in the Pop Warner Super Bowl and the National Cheer & Dance Championship. It all begins today in Orlando.

The teams participating include the Capital City Steelers, the North Raleigh Wake Forest Bulldogs and the Knightdale Dragons.

WRAL News shared that the Knightdale Dragons needed $15,000 dollars to make it to Orlando to compete for the Pop Warner National Title. And the community made it happen, raising more than $25,000.

The plea for help was posted Nov. 24; the Dragons had six days to raise $15,000 so the team could compete for that National Title in Orlando.

"I was truly surprised, I was overwhelmed," said Coach Tirone Bradford. "I just couldn’t believe it. I really couldn’t believe it. Tears came to my eyes.

Bradford said the money raised will pay for the players' room and board in Disney and pave the way for unforgettable memories.

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime dream," Bradford said. "I can guarantee this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

Bradford said any additional funds will go to taking care of the players' transportation and food.

But Sunday, he just wanted to express gratitude.

“The people of North Carolina, I thank them so much,” said Bradford.

You can continue to help the team by contributing to one of their two fundraisers HERE or HERE.