BOSTON (WHDH) – They are the 14U Mattapan Patriots and for the first time in 40 years, they have made the national tournament in Naples Florida.
The team recently clinched its spot as one of two teams from New England headed to the American Youth Football League’s tournament in Florida. While they don’t currently have enough funding for their trip, they are not giving up hope, now working hard to raise the money they need to play.
“I was at a loss for words,” said coach Mick Brunache, describing the moment he learned the team had qualified for the tournament. “I couldn’t believe it.
Brunache has been coaching the Mattapan Patriots for the past three years. Speaking with 7NEWS, he said the moment he broke the tournament news to his players kicked off “pandemonium.”
“Guys running around the field, guys saying that they can’t wait to go swimming,” he said. …