Philadelphia holds ‘celebration of champions’ for 5 youth sports teams that won national titles

The groups paraded from Metropolis Corridor, down the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, to the Philadelphia Museum of Artwork, the place metropolis leaders and group members applauded their accomplishments.

“Let’s give it up for our personal champions!” metropolis consultant Sheila Hess informed the gang.

“Thanks to the coaches who’ve guided, mentored, educated these younger athletes,” mentioned Mayor Jim Kenney.

The successful packages embody the Enon Eagles U13 soccer group, The Inside Metropolis Warriors 13U group, the Oak Lane Wildcats 18U group, the North Philly Aztecs 8U cheer group and the Frankford Chargers 10U group.

“This was my first 12 months teaching, I wasn’t going to educate however we wanted a coach for this age group so I stepped out on religion and determined to educate,” mentioned Natisha Tarvers, head coach of the Frankford Chargers. Her daughter is among the athletes on the group.

All the groups are led by volunteer coaches.

“We’re scuffling with some points now with violence and different issues, however the overwhelming majority of youngsters in all of our neighborhoods are identical to these youngsters, the dad and mom are identical to these dad and mom, and the coaches are identical to these of us,” mentioned Kenney.

Town says this an amazing reminder of what is potential for teenagers when somebody invests in them.

“They want a constructive position mannequin, they want an outlet, between college and the entire pandemic happening, they only want one thing to stay up for,” mentioned Tarvers.