Youth football team gets big donation sending them to championship game

DETROIT (WJBK) - A Detroit youth football team has a chance to win the Midwest Championship but saw their dreams slipping away due to money issues.

The team are the boys who make up the Bravo Bandits, ages 6 to 14. And they have already won the Pop Warner Michigan championship. The team hopes to head to Indiana to compete Nov. 17. Money is tight and the team is funded by their coach and volunteers out of pocket.

The team was seen on FOX 2 earlier this month trying to raise $3,000. And now, nearly two weeks later, they were still coming up short.

"We still need about $2,000, it's stressful a little bit," said Michael Jones, CEO of the Bravo Bandits.

But after seeing their story while sitting at home with his wife, the founder of Toyology Toys, Aric Klar, says he felt compelled to help Tuesday.

 "This story really touched my heart, it is close to where we live," Klar said. "Close to our communities where our stores are.  And I want to make sure you guys receive the opportunities that everybody should be receiving.

"I want to give you the remaining balance of what you guys need to get to this game this weekend."

At that point team team VP Cedric White cracked a big smile and held up the check saying, "Indiana look out, we're bringing it back home!"

But that's not all, Klar brought a bag of goodies for the players filled with shirts and fidget spinners.

"As long as they're smiling, we're happy," Klar said.

"Thank you very much. we truly appreciate this from the heart," White said.

If the Bravo Bandits win in Indiana, it’s off to Massachusetts and possibly Florida. If you'd like to keep the support coming, go to www.bravobanditsofdetroit.com/registration or for more info contact Michael Jones, Jr. (313) 657-0857. Email - bravobanditsofdetroit@gmail.com