WORCESTER—As the snow begins to fall in Central Massachusetts, two Worcester youth football teams will be heading to the warmth of Florida to play in the American Youth Football (AYF) National Championships.
The 10U Worcester Vikings and the 12U Worcester Cowboys will each represent New England at the national tournament December 7 through December 13 at the Paradise Sports Complex in Naples.
A commanding 25-0 win over Northborough/Southborough on November 2 earned the Vikings the right to represent Division 3 at nationals. That win gave them both the state and New England regional title. The Vikings, who play in the Central Mass Youth Football and Cheer Conference (CMYFCC), have compiled a 6-2 record this season.
Head coach Kirby Pierre-Louis, in his second year with the Vikings, notes that the strength of his team can be summed up in two words: mental toughness. In August, the team experienced a sudden and tragic loss when teammate Gus Kormah, 10, passed away after an accidental drowning incident.
“Everyone on this team has become really close because of tragedy. I think it brought us even closer,” said Pierre-Louis. “The coaching staff, the players– I think we really rallied together and it’s been a great experience this year.”
The Worcester Cowboys have also turned in a memorable season, posting a perfect 12-0 record on their way to claiming the New England Regional Division 2 championship with a 26-6 win over Dorchester on November 23 in New London, CT. In the semifinals, the Cowboys blanked Merrimack Valley 41-0. During the regular season, the team participates in the Connecticut Youth Football Conference (CTYFC).
“The kids have bought into the system,” said head coach Tom Sivert. “We’ve been together for a couple of years. When we come out with a new offense or a new defense, they work hard to get it.”
This team of 12 and 13 year-old players had previously made it to the state championship four years in row but hadn’t cleared the final hurdle of advancing to nationals until this season.
Both teams are in the process of fundraising to help facilitate their trip to Florida. Online donations can be made to the Vikings here and to the Cowboys here.
Mike Vigneux is a freelance writer in Worcester with more than 20 years of experience in the fields of municipal government, communications, and public relations. An avid fan of all sports, Mike enjoys telling the stories of local athletes and their teams. He holds two degrees from Clark University, a bachelor of arts in Communication and a master of science in Professional Communication. He can be reached at Mikevigs@gmail.com
