By Kathy Chouteau
The Richmond Steel Scholars, a nonprofit that supports the Richmond Steelers youth football team, is rallying the community for support as two of the team’s age groups are on track to play in regionals and possibly the national championships in Florida.
Funds are being raised for the 10-under SS Boyz, a team that was honored by the City of Richmond last year after winning the national title, and also for the 6-under team nicknamed the “Lil Rascals,” who worked incredibly hard this season to earn the opportunity to play nationally.
“The Steel Scholars are currently working to send 24 youth and 10 coaches to Southern California for the Regional Championships on Nov. 16 and 17, and if we are successful, we will be traveling to Florida for the National Championships on Dec. 8-14,” according to Richmond Steelers CIO Katrice West.
She added that if the Richmond Steelers are unsuccessful at regionals, they will instead travel to Arizona for a national championship. During their travels, the team will be provided with lodging, daily meals, travel (van or flights) and a group bonding activity. A study hall is held daily for completion of schoolwork while the team is away.
Some Steeler highlights this year include qualifying for the 2024 Y.E.S. League Champions in Naples, Fla., from Dec. 7 through Dec. 14, receiving the 2024 Mayoral Certificate of Recognition from the City of Richmond and a 2024 Honor from the West Contra Costa School District.
“At the Richmond Steelers, we believe in teaching more than just football,” West said. “Our amazing coaches instill the values of teamwork, discipline, critical thinking, conflict resolution, perseverance, respect, and social/emotional well-being. We emphasize the importance of family, brotherhood, behavior modification, emotional intelligence, personal and intellectual development, and restorative justice.”
The program features weeekly mental health checks and the safety to feel emotions are a staple within our division, she added.
West said that in order to make a difference, the Steel Scholars rely on the support of generous individuals and businesses in the community. She said they’d appreciate monetary donations and that organizational/business sponsors will be acknowledged on the team’s website and that the football players will submit a thank you video to them.
“Your support is critical to the success of these travel plans,” said West.
Support the Richmond Steelers drive to the regionals and nationals with a donation on the Steel Scholars site. Or support the Lil Rascals’ nationals run here. Questions? Reach out to the Richmond Steel Scholars at [email protected] or (510) 778-3210.
