With a championship title to defend and dreams of another deep postseason run, the Vero Beach Little League 11U All-Stars are headed to Parkland this weekend to compete in the State of Florida Championship.

After claiming the state title in 2024, the team of 11-year-olds once again finds itself in the spotlight, aiming to repeat last year’s success in the highly competitive tournament, which runs Friday through Sunday.

If the All-Stars win the state title again, they’ll advance to the Southeast Region Tournament of State Champions in Wilson, North Carolina. Last year, the team reached that round before falling to South Carolina.

“Last year, nobody knew about us. This year is a different level of pressure,” said George Williams, manager of the Vero Beach Little League Baseball program. “We’re a talented team. We’re going to be getting everyone’s best.”

The team, made up of 12 players and three coaches, earned its spot in the state tournament by capturing the District 17 and sectional championships.

“These boys have stepped up their game,” Williams said. “We’ve been practicing five days a week, two to three hours a night. Iron sharpens iron. They compete every day. That’s the key – giving yourself every opportunity to be successful.”

The team is also fundraising to cover travel expenses, with a goal of raising $5,000. The league is supported by private donations, local sponsors, parents and volunteers.

The 2024 state title marked Vero Beach Little League’s first since 1998. The league’s roots stretch back decades, with district titles dating as far back as 1963. The league went dormant in 2009 before being revived in 2019. Since its return, Vero Beach Little League has won four district titles, two sectional championships and last year’s state title.

“That’s pretty impressive in a short amount of time,” Williams said.

The team’s achievements have drawn community-wide support. Following last year’s championship, Indian River County commissioners issued a proclamation in the team’s honor, and local businesses hosted a celebratory event at Chive restaurant. The Sheriff’s Office provided a police escort for the team from the Michael Field baseball complex to the restaurant.

Several former and current Major League Baseball players also support the program, including retired MLB pitchers Pat Neshek and Jim Morris Jr., and current Detroit Tigers pitcher Alex Cobb. Cobb, a 2006 Vero Beach High School graduate, once played in the Vero Beach Little League himself.

Beyond wins and titles, Williams said the focus remains on building a strong foundation.

“We’re teaching them the fundamentals of baseball, hustle, good attitudes, being good teammates,” he said. “All that is contagious. It breeds a winning culture.”

Fall registration for the Vero Beach Little League is open through Aug. 1. Parents can sign up by visiting the league’s website.