The Delco Monarchs 14U Pop Warner football team has a shot at the national championship in Orlando, but they need the funds to get there.

The 18 players and coaches are raising $25,000 to make the tournament, which starts Dec. 2 and runs for a week.

They are well on their way, thanks to the generosity of the community around them.  Darby Borough put in $5,000, while borough police kicked in $7,000.

“With all the bad news that you hear about today, this is a good news story,” said Darby Police Chief Joe Gabe. “These are good kids, and they could use help.”

Getting to the nationals is a lot more than just football, coach Rahsaan Lisimba said. “The purpose is to make sure that these young brothers are upstanding young men in their communities.”

Lisimba, a 2005 Penn Wood High graduate, has coached the team for more than ten years.

The Monarchs benefit community youth with a focus on discipline and execution.

The student players are expected to do their homework and be respectful to others, including their parents.  

Making it to the national championship is the farthest the team has ever gotten.

“It’s uncharted territory for us,” Lisimba said.

Find out more about the Delco Monarchs at the Daily Times.