Monday marked the series of investments that will total $3 million, which was part of the city’s budget, including more than $200,000 to support nine city youth football and cheerleading teams to ensure they can get to their national tournaments this month.Carmen Lopez says she has been working two jobs, with one essentially fully dedicated to her 11-year-old son’s football expenses.
"I looked around and said I don’t know how we’re going to do it, but we have faith in ourselves, kids have time to do what they do and win, and we have to get behind them and make sure that they get rewarded."Mayor Cherelle Parker says the funding will also include an investment in the city’s Youth Sports Fund, which will provide grants for organizations across the city, year-round, in every sport, to pay for things like coaching, equipment, and registration.