The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Steele City Football books ticket to nationals
The Steele City Youth Football Mentorship Program will have a team competing in the national youth football championships in Florida.
On Nov. 4, the 6U Lorain Steelemen defeated the East Cleveland Chiefs 12-7 at the Pro Football Hall of Fame Youth Football Complex in Canton.
The youngsters will play in Plant City, Fla., the week of Dec. 2-9. This marks the first year the Steele City Youth Football 6U age division will compete at the national championships.
In 2016, the Lorain youth team for 8-year-olds won their Ohio State Youth Football Championships, and competed for the gold in the United Youth Football League National Championship.
“The next step is Florida,” said Imam Paul Hasan, the program’s public relations coordinator. “Teams from Cleveland are going, but we are the only team from Lorain County going.
“They are coming from circumstances in terms of socio-economic situations which is challenging for them. So, I think it is a very important thing to recognize.” League founder Ricky Smith recounted the team’s victory and summed it up to commitment, teamwork and implementing everything the coaches and mentors have tried to instill in them throughout the season.
“It was a real experience to see the look on those children’s faces,” Smith said. “This year, it is different with the 6-year-olds. They didn’t even know they won and they just saw the parents and coaches jumping around like something happened.
“It was a blessing to see our boys grow up and fight hard, even though it was a cold day.”
Keon Brown was named most valuable player for the state championship in a collective decision by the coaches of both teams.
Steele City Youth Football is hoping to raise $10,000 and is planning to hold a steak fry fundraiser on a date to be determined.
“I’m hoping that everybody can get behind us to take these boys down there,” Smith said.
Anyone wishing to contribute to the team can donate to the team’s account at First Federal Savings of Lorain, 3721 Oberlin Ave. in Lorain.