Fairfield Youth Football and Cheer's senior cheerleading team is gearing up for Nationals - but they need some help to get there. 

Mindy Morgan is in her first year as the program's cheer coordinator.

She says the organization is collecting donations to help send the team to Orlando, Florida.

"We knew we had a talented team, but when they placed first in regionals, we were all pleasantly surprised," said Morgan. 

Morgan’s team is the first cheer squad in Fairfield to get this far since the organization was formed.

"All of the kids don't have to be best friends, but I will tell you after this season, the bonding and the friendships that the kids have made, I think that's the gift," said Morgan.

A GoFundMe has been set up, and as of Thursday afternoon, it's nearly halfway to the goal of $10,000.

"This time of the year is so tough on families as it is, so to have this unexpected expense has been a little overwhelming, and the support has just been great," said Morgan.

Morgan says she hopes the fundraiser can be enough to give the team the full travel experience.

"Airfare, hotels, they do get little pockets of free time, so we're hoping to give them the full Orlando experience. There's Universal, there's Disney, so we're hoping to give them one day they can at least enjoy the parks together," said Morgan.

The competition starts next weekend and runs from Dec. 8 to Dec. 10.