Newark soccer team needs support to go to nationals

NEWARK, N.J. (PIX11) -- A U17 soccer team in Newark has earned a spot at nationals, but members of the team need support to get there.

The Den of Lions is not just winning games. The soccer team is also winning the love of its community.

Sixteen-year-old Chisom Ike has played soccer since he was just 5 years old. He has a goal in mind: go to college and play professionally.

Ike is going to be a senior in high school. He works at a local pharmacy full time to help his mom pay the bills. After his shift, he travels two hours on a bus to get to practice, changes his shirt, and then practices for hours.

John Rodrigues is the team manager and said the harsh reality for so many on the Den of Lions is that the cost to play is often out of reach. 

Their coach, Regis Amarante, leads the team of 20 players -- most are 17 years old. Despite the odds, they are now the only New Jersey team to be invited to the U.S. Club Soccer national championships in Denver on July 17.

It costs $1,500 per player to go to the tournament. Many of the players on the Den of Lions can’t afford it and may not be able to attend. Rodrigues hopes someone steps in to help make it happen for the team.

A GoFundMe page has been created to support the team.