The Fort Myers Firecats will send six teams to the Pop Warner national championships in North Carolina.

"Last year we only had one team make it to nationals, and I was also the head coach of that team," said Coach Kelby Tyre, according to Gulf Coast News Now. "But to come and see six teams making it, that's great, I love it."

All six squads played through November, spanning different age groups. Five went to Tampa this past weekend and competed in regional tournaments.

President Riley Ware gave credit to families and staff who put in the hours.

"It's shocking, but it was a lot of hard work and dedication," said Ware. "Sacrifices from coaches and parents. This is something we've been building on, and it's a proud moment for our organization and our community."

Players know what it takes to reach this point. Beau Elkins plays for the Firecats and spoke about what preparation means.

"You got to work very hard to get to places that you really wanted to go," said Elkins.

Coach Larry Cheeseborough talked about practice sessions and what goes into them. "Coaches put in work, kids put in work, we're out here in 50-degree weather putting it in," said Cheeseborough.