Braintree Pop Warner Cheerleaders First Squad Ever Headed to Nationals

The Braintree Pop Warner A Team Cheerleaders – undefeated in competitions this year – took first place in the regionals in Springfield on Saturday, launching them toward the Nationals in Walt Disney World, the first time that a Braintree squad has had the opportunity.

To get to the competition in Florida Dec. 5 through Dec. 9, the team quickly started a fundraising effort, kick-started on Sunday by way of a $5 for $200 worth of scratch tickets raffle at the football game. The winner will be drawn the Saturday after Thanksgiving.

Donations for the team's travel can be made at http://www.eteamz.com/braintreepopwarner/index.cfm?showdonate=1.

"These girls have worked so hard and deserve this opportunity to travel to nationals to compete with the best of the best!" volunteer Julie Canelli said in an email.

It will cost $25,000 for the team to get to Florida, Canelli said, but any amount they can raise between now and December will be appreciated.

Made up of 13 and 14-year-old girls from South and East middle schools, the girls are also the 2012 Hockomock champs and 2012 Qualifier Champs.