A youth football program based on the South Side of Chicago is pursuing a national championship title, but organizers say they require community support to make that vision a reality.
Friday night practices at Ogden Park serve as the backdrop for the aspirations of young athletes, among them Devon Sanders, the quarterback of the Englewood Lions 8U team.
“It’s my dream to make it to the NFL,” said Devon, the team’s quarterback.
Devon’s squad, along with the Lions’ 10U and 13U teams, are currently preparing for state championship competitions, with their collective ambitions extending well beyond that.
“It feels good to be the leader of a championship team,” Devon said.
The three teams are working to secure the support necessary to compete in Midwest regional competitions in Louisville, Kentucky later this month. A successful showing at the regional level would position them for national championship competitions scheduled for December.
“Our mission is just to give these young men an opportunity to go display their talent on a bigger platform,” said Englewood Lions Youth Athletics Vice President Kola Parks Jr. “We need tons of help. We’re trying to get there, and we’re trying to take every kid. Every kid deserves a fair chance to get down there to display their talent, because they’ve earned it.”
The organization has set a fundraising goal of $60,000 to cover travel, lodging, meals, uniforms, and tournament-related expenses.
Team leaders emphasize that the value of these experiences extends far beyond the competition itself, offering the young participants meaningful life lessons along the way.
“Good things that’s coming from Englewood. It ain’t always about the bad. We’re doing the good work. We’re teaching these kids,” Parks said.
For the young athletes involved, the outpouring of community support carries a profound and lasting significance , one they hope ultimately translates into championship success.
“It makes us feel good so we can win it all and we can get all those big old trophies,” said Ian Allen, a fullback, receiver, and cornerback on the 8U team.
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