November 15, 2023
Mattapan Patriots President and Coach Mick Brunache is surrounded by the 14U team shortly after the players won a game against North Attleboro that assured them a spot in the National Championship tournament in Florida. Photo courtesy Mattapan Patriots
After going 9-1 in the regular season, the Mattapan Patriots 14-Under football team has been invited to compete in a national tournament in Naples, Florida next month. The team punched their ticket with a come-from-behind win over North Attleboro, 38-32 last week. Now they need to raise $50,000 by Dec. 2 to make sure the players can get to the American Youth Football championships.
“This is the first in Mattapan history,” said Mick Brunache, the coach and president of the youth league. “The Mattapan Patriots have been around 40 years and never have accomplished this. It is the first time in our history.”
Brunache said the team was expected to be good, but ended up playing much better than anticipated. That caught organizers off-guard, leaving little time to fundraise. They have set up a GoFundMe campaign and hope it can get them over the threshold.
“This team has been through a lot this year,” he said. “The fact they made it happen is beyond amazing and says a lot about these kids.”
To help, search for the Mattapan Patriots on GoFundMe, or go to this address.
