Sports often create a family-like atmosphere experience, but for one family youth football has helped bond a blended family.

Antonia McCullough has three sons – one biological son and two stepsons – involved with the league and said the league has brought them closer together.

“They’re more brothers now than they ever were before,” McCullough said.

She said playing together as part of the group has joined the boys, and they use “brother” rather than “step-brother” when describing each other now.

McCullough’s boys play in the Southern Wildcats youth football league and participated this Saturday at the Wildcats’ youth football, one-day mini-camp.

The camp is hosted by The Southern Wildcats and offers training and tips for young boys in the Brookhaven community.

The Southern Wildcats is a youth football league made up of 7- to 12-year-olds from Brookhaven. The league was started by current Wildcats president, Stacy Fells Jr., and sponsored by the Brookhaven Lions Semi-Pro team.

“The kids needed something to do,” Fells said about what motivated him to start the team.

The Southern Wildcats have been playing three years and will continue its fourth year this fall football season. During the season, the team plays every Saturday and even travels. During the past three years, the team has traveled to Louisiana, Jackson, McComb and Tylertown. Fells said until practice for the team starts in June, they will be hosting free mini-camps once a month.

Fells played football in high school and college. The coaches for the league are made up of volunteers from the community and players from the Brookhaven Lions Semi-Pro Team. Some of the coaches present at Saturday’s camp were the Southern Wildcats Vice President Jason Dixon, Joseph Anderson, Laramie Green and Kris Coleman.

She said the boys have built confidence since starting to play with the team. She said she’s as excited to start the season as the boys are.

McCullough’s involvement with the team led to her becoming a team mother.

“A majority of the kids know me as Mrs. Toni,” McCullough said.

She said she supplies snacks, drinks, first-aid and sometimes even some emotional support during tough practices.

“They know me, they respond to me, and sometimes they come to me when they’re feeling bad,” McCullough said. “I just say take two breaths and get back out there.”

McCullough said the boys just need some encouragement and encourages all parents, especially mothers, to get more involved with the team.

Anyone interested in more information about the team and upcoming camps can contact Fells at 601-757-4440 or Dixon at 601-455-6575.