Menlo Atherton Vikings 10U Florida Bound

My name is Erika Atkins (current Vice President of the Menlo Atherton Pop Warner Vikings association - a 501(c)3 Organziation focused on developing leaders through the sport of football), and I am fundraising for our 10U team to travel to Florida to compete on the National level.

Three and a half months ago, on August 1st, these young individuals came together to form a 10U team on the Vikings. Only 7 of them had been returners from that last 2021 season (or from prior seasons), but the rest of the 22 players had never met before and were brand new to the sport or new to the Vikings. Either way, this was going to be what we all thought was a building year. These young players surpassed everyone's expectations and did what many could not do: go 7-1 in the regular season, take out the #2 seed in round two of the playoffs and then dominate the Championship game 40-20 this past Sunday.

These young individuals have grown to be such incredible football players, but most importantly, they have melted together to form such a tight-knit bond that they love to be around each other any chance they can. Most of these players don't even go to school together because our program serves kids from the entire peninsula, and despite that, they manage to love one another and keep connected. That is one thing that football helps to bridge the gap on, and so seldom does football get the kudos this sport deserves.

So today, I would like to extend an 'ask' to our community to help our players and coaches achieve what they deserve the most, and that is to represent our Region in Division 1 Football at the National Level at the Pop Warner Championship games in Florida from 12/2-12/10. If we (MA Vikings) are able to raise the funds, every player and coach will have their travel to Florida taken care of and could remain focused on winning.

We appreciate any help you can provide.