FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP, NJ — The Freehold community is rallying around a local little league team as they pursue their World Series dreams.
The Freehold Township Little League Juniors, two-time NJ state champions, recently opened the East Region Tournament with a 10-0 shutout of Massachusetts on Saturday.
Now, the team will take on the winner of the Delaware vs. Pennsylvania match on Tuesday.
With a spot in the winner's bracket final on the line, the team is one step closer to winning the Junior League World Series in Taylor, MI.
Though the team is on their way to achieving this dream, they face a new challenge this year: traveling to compete at the next level and the costs that come along with it.
"The two-time New Jersey State Champion Freehold Township Little League Juniors are a small town team with big dreams," Michael Sweeney, who organized a fundraiser to support the team, wrote.
"These kids grew up on the baseball fields of Freehold, forging lifelong friendships and learning the values of discipline and sportsmanship," Sweeney continued. "Their hard work and dedication have made Freehold proud, and now, as state champions, they are honored to represent New Jersey."
As the team moves on to the next levels of the competition, they face costs for travel, lodging, meals, and other expenses, with each player's family responsible for 100% of these costs.
In order to support the team and the players' families on their World Series run, an online fundraiser has been started to help them afford these costs.
"There are no administration fees," Sweeney said. "Every dollar raised will go directly to the families, ensuring the players can focus on the game and not worry about finances."
"We invite the community to rally behind these dedicated athletes and their families. Your support will help make their dreams possible and show them that Freehold and New Jersey are cheering them on every step of the way."
"Any contribution, big or small, will make a difference. Thank you for your generosity!"
As of Monday afternoon, $875 of the fundraiser's $20,000 goal has been raised.
To learn more or donate to the fundraiser, you can click here.
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