Bucs Head Coach Jon Gruden personally congratulated the East Tampa Bandits, who finished the season ranked fourth in the nation
The East Tampa Bandits Jr. PeeWee football team earned a berth in the Pop Warner Super Bowl in Orlando after taking the Southeast Regional Championship crown.
The Bandits needed financial assistance to help with the costs of travel and lodging associated with playing in the national tournament at Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando from December 6-11. The Buccaneers donated $4,000 towards the team's costs, and the Bandits received the remaining funds through private donations and fundraisers.
The team finished the regular season with an unblemished 7-0 record before winning two conference playoff games and four regional contests. The Bandits drove away from the Disney complex ranked fourth in the nation in Pop Warner Division II. The team's players and coaches may be very proud of the perfect season that led them to experience the thrill of competing in the National Championships.
On Wednesday, December 29, some members of the East Tampa Bandits and their coaches visited One Buccaneer Place. The Bandits were invited to watch the morning practice, and they also received a tour of the facility. After practice, Head Coach Jon Gruden came over to congratulate the team on their successful season and offer some words of advice to the kids. Gruden told the players to listen to their coaches and to continue to work hard on the football field and in the classroom.
Gruden presented the team with a $4,000 check from the Buccaneers to use toward expenses incurred while traveling to the tournament.
