ASHLAND – Southern Oregon University is inviting parents, boosters and fans to join the Raider football team on its trip to Daytona Beach, Fla., for the NAIA championship game on Dec. 19 against the Marian University (Ind.) Knights. 

Along with accepting donations in exchange for spots on the team's charter flight – which will depart Monday, Dec. 15, and return Saturday, Dec. 20 – SOU is seeking help from supporters to fund the trip. The NAIA pays for a portion of the travel, but additional financial assistance is needed.

The Raider Club kindly urges that a donation of $500 or more be made per airline ticket. Fans and families will be responsible for paying for ground transportation, food and game tickets.

To make the trip a success for the student-athletes, the Raider Club is also accepting donations from those who can't make the trip as it attempts to raise between $50,000 and $70,000 in tickets and donations.

Fans interested in reserving a spot on the trip should contact Natasha Ford at fordn1@sou.edu or 541-552-6772. Those interested in donating to help fund the trip can contact Bobby Heiken at heikenb@sou.edu or 541-552-6824.

The game is scheduled to kick off at 3 p.m. Eastern Time and will air live on ESPNU.