BUCKNER, Mo. -- All that separates a local football team from a national championship title is a team from Florida and a few thousand dollars.

The Independence Indians practice at Heisler Park in Buckner. The team is comprised of fifth- and sixth-graders who play in the Pop Warner Football League.

"I'll probably remember it my whole life. And probably everyone else on the team will too," quarterback Skyler Thompson told KMBC's Martin Augustine.

This weekend, they'll play for the championship title, if they can afford to go, KMBC's Martin Augustine reported. It will cost $32,000 for the team to get to Florida.

"It's tough, it's frustrating. You've got to make a lot of phone calls -- you've got to beg for money, basically," coach Rich Divers said.

A fundraiser will be held for the team at Minsky's Pizza in Blue Springs on Tuesday from 5 p.m. to close of business. The team will receive 15 percent of the sales during that time period.

Those who wish to donate can send the money to the team's account at Blue Ridge Bank. The account is named Pop Warner Indians Football.

You can also e-mail Coach Rich Divers at richdivers@aol.com.

The Kansas City area has been well represented in the Pop Warner Championships. A team from Lee's Summit also won a regional title.