BUCKS CO., Pa. (CBS 3)
― It was a rare opportunity for a special
group of football players Sunday.
A local high school team took youngsters under
their wing and gave them support and inspiration
through the game of football.
They call themselves the Challenger team. With
a few shoulder rolls and mock runs everything
was in step for the big Sunday game.
The Challenger team consists of two dozen
athletes with special needs who take to the
field every week. They are coached by members
from the Neshaminy High School Redskin football
team.
The kids love the feeling of playing in a
competitive game.
The team's kicker said he likes play because,
"It's rough."
While he likes the rough and tumble, Neshaminy
Football Coach Mark Schmidt said the
relationships formed between mentor and player
off the field is greater than any accomplishment
on the field.
"Our players really just took to these guys and
ever since the season ended they've been going
to birthday parties of the players. They had
Christmas with them," football coach Mark
Schmidt said.
"Seeing them smile, it just like makes your day
so much better, just coming out and helping
them," high school football player Dave Daino
said.
The challenger team was launched in 2007 as part
of a community service project by the Neshaminy
football program.
