Richmond youth football team seeks community support for another National Title run

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- A Richmond youth football team is hoping the community can help send them back to the national championship, again.

For the second straight year, the East End Tigers have earned a spot in the national title games in Naples, Florida — and they’re hoping for another shot at winning it all.

Last year, the Tigers placed 5th out of 16 teams nationwide. This season, they’re aiming for first place, and they’re just $4,000 away from reaching the fundraising goal needed to make the trip.

“This will be their last year playing youth football,” said head coach Dajon Austin. “So it would mean the world to send those guys out the correct way.”

This marks the program’s second consecutive appearance in the national competition and its fourth trip to Florida overall. Still, Austin says this year feels bittersweet.

“I’ve had some of these boys since they were four years old,” Austin said. “To follow their journey, to see their growth and to see where they’re at now — it just seems like time flew by.”

Parents said the program has had a tremendous impact off the field as well. John Moore, whose 13-year-old son Landon plays for the Tigers, said the team’s mentoring has shaped his son’s character and confidence.

“He’s experienced a lot of winning. They’ve developed him into a great young man,” Moore said. “He also plays middle school football and was a captain this year, and I attribute all that to the coaching and tutelage from East End.”

Moore added that while some players may soon age out of youth football, the lessons they’ve learned will stay with them.

“They’ve helped a lot of kids, my son included, growing up,” Moore said. “They’re all young men getting ready for the next stage in life, which may not be football for some — just life in general.”

The national championship game is scheduled for Dec. 6. Those interested in donating can find more here.