Youth football program needs money to replace stolen equipment

SAN JOSE, Calif. (KGO) -- It's a sight no football coach ever wants to see.

"I happened to notice that the door was cracked when I pulled up. When I looked inside, I was completely shocked," said Shannon Roberts, President of the San Jose Hit Squad.

Sometime over the weekend, thieves ransacked the equipment shed belonging to the San Jose Hit Squad and stole $20,000 worth of equipment.

"All of our speed helmets, our shoulder pads, boxes of practice jerseys, game jerseys, game pads. They just took everything," explained Roberts.

The spring football program serves more than 140 students from ages 5 to 15, many who come from under-privileged backgrounds.

But with the season set to begin on February 7th, parents and players now have to start from scratch.

"I just can't believe somebody would do that to kids," said Oak Grove High School freshman Warren Casias, who has been part of the squad since it started nearly two years ago.

"Some of the kids that play, they have a rough life, and if it wasn't for Shannon being their mentor and stuff, they wouldn't be where they are now," said Oak Grove Football Coach Jay Braun. He says programs like the Hit Squad aren't only pivotal to player development, but more importantly, they help keep kids off the streets.

"Most of these programs are self-reliant on fundraising, so they had to work hard to get this equipment, and get this money, and to see it be taken in one night, is pretty sad of events, so I hope the community responds and rallies behind these young boys," said Braun.

Roberts and his team of volunteers have now turned to Facebook and a website called Go-Fund-Me to help raise money for new equipment.

"Karma will get you, and you know, taking from the kids, you have to live with yourself," said Roberts.

For more information, you can check out their Facebook page or their Go-Fund-Me page.