LOUISVILLE, Ky. — In just one week, a Louisville Little League football team will have the game of their life at the National Youth Championship.
The Tenth Street Cardinals Football Team consists of 28 players. Coach Thomas Jackson says they are undefeated and won the state championship. And now they are chasing after the national championship.
“I kind of get choked up talking about it because, I mean, they never cease to amaze me. You put the challenge in front of and they just step up every time. And so I was just pushing them on that national level and see how far they can take it,” said Jackson.
Tenth Street Cardinals Football has been uplifting young Louisvillians for over 30 years, rooted in discipline, self-confidence, and mental endurance.
This is running back Keaire Moore’s second year playing football after watching his brother play. He says many people doubted the team at the beginning of the season, but they put the work in and will prove it on the national field.
“Everybody was like Tenth Street’s not going to mess with us. Everybody was like that. And then next we had to prove it. Working hard, making sure we go 105% every day. Bringing the energy. Having fun,” said Moore.
Moore says his birthday falls on the week of the tournament. His birthday wish is for him and his team to win it all.
“Us going to the national championship on my birthday is a wish and a dream come true,” said Moore.
Tenth Street Cardinals parent Darrell Rucker says the team has been grinding on the practice field since June and the development of the kids has skyrocketed. Rucker says he will be in the front row cheering the kiddos on.
“I’m really excited for the kids. I mean, this is something that we’ve been doing for a long time, but, you know, this year, it’s a whole different level play. So yeah, I’m really excited for the kids,” said Rucker.
Jackson says win or lose this is an opportunity for these young athletes to show what hard work, determination and teamwork can achieve.
“These kids are more than just the community they’re in and the city they’re from. And, I mean, it just kind of inspires everybody to really just be great humans and make Louisville proud,” said Jackson.
The Tenth Street Cardinals Football Team will show who they are and what they are made of in the D1 National Youth Football Championship in Dallas, Dec. 12-16. The team is seeking to raise $9,000 to cover travel, accommodations and other expenses.