PHILADELPHIA—The City of Philadelphia held a Celebration of Champions on Saturday, April 9, in honor of five Philadelphia youth sports teams that secured national titles in 2021.
The Enon Eagles and Inner City Warriors youth football teams, along with cheer squads from the Oak Lane Wildcats, Frankford Chargers, and the North Philly Aztecs marched in a procession down the Benjamin Franklin Parkway to the Art Museum steps–where the champions were greeted by their family, friends, and City officials for a celebratory program.
“I am so proud of Philadelphia’s young champions and all they have achieved while representing our great city on the national stage,” said Mayor Jim Kenney. “The skill, determination, and athleticism on display from all five championship teams are just incredible. You make us all so proud – keep up the great work.
The Champions
The Enon Eagles U13 football team won its first-ever National Championship against the Virginia Beach Mustangs on December 23, 2021. The team, which plays for Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church in Mt. Airy, had an undefeated season.
The Inner City Warriors, a first-year organization, won the U13 open division 2021 Championship in the National United Youth Football League after defeating the Illinois Bucs All-Stars.
The Oak Lane Wildcats 18U team won the 2021 American Youth Cheer National Champion Cheer Team.
The Frankford Chargers 10U team was named the 2021 American Youth Cheer National Championship in Dance. The 14U team took home second place in step and third place in Dance.
The North Philly Aztecs Cheer Team 8U team brought home the 2021 American Youth Cheer National Championship in Dance.
“Sports were a lifeline for me growing up,” said Managing Director Tumar Alexander. “Teamwork, dedication, and discipline learned on the field stay with us for a lifetime. I congratulate these outstanding young athletes, and thank their coaches and families for providing safe places for our youth to make friends, have fun, and see themselves as the champions they are.”
All five championship teams are part of a volunteer-led community youth sports organization dedicated to providing Philadelphia’s youth with positive development opportunities and exposure to caring adult role models. Learn more at phila.gov/ppr
