Albany Seahawks raising money for HOF Game

ALBANY — The Albany Seahawks youth football teams have met every challenge this season head on and found a way to overcome.

From one team bouncing back from an 0-2 start on the season to their respective region championship games against stiff competition, the Seahawks teams have found a way to get it done. Now one team has its sights set on a national competition and is looking for the help from the city to achieve the next goal.

Playing in the MAAC Conference, the Seahawks have four teams in different age groups, 5-6, 7-8, 9-10 and 11-12 years old. The 5-6 age group took second place in the conference while the other three placed first and earned a chance to play in the Hall of Fame Game tournament.

The 7-8 age group came out on top in that tournament, earning a spot in the NFL Hall of Fame Game in Canton, Ohio. They plan on traveling north Dec. 14-17 and are now looking to raise money for the upcoming trip.

This Saturday, those willing and able to support the Seahawks can stop by Advance Auto Parts at 2001 East Oglethorpe Blvd. from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and buy a $7 ticket for a barbecue plate. Plates include barbecue chicken, baked beans, potato salad and rolls, with all proceeds going towards getting the Seahawks to Ohio.

Head coach John Thomas said he is thrilled his team to have the opportunity to travel and see a new part of the country.

“One of the things I think about this particular trip is, traveling this far is going to give some of our kids the exposure they need to realize that life is bigger than Albany,” he said.

Thomas added he believes the program has already had a positive impact on the young men.

“A lot kids in this area they hear the statistics and I don’t think all the time they realize there are positive outlets,” he said. “That there are people who actually care and put programs like this in place. Sometimes the kids aren’t aware. It gives them an alternative.”

The team also has a GoFundMe set up (note spelling) at www.gofundme.com/albanyseahwks.