Four area youth football teams returned from Los Angeles with no championships but with a treasure chest of memories.

Under the sponsorship of Excel to Excellence, also known as E2E, the local squads competed in the Snoop Youth Football League Nationals held Dec. 12 through 16 and founded by rapper and entertainer Snoop Dogg.

E2E is the brainchild of former Varina High School, Penn State and NFL standout Michael Robinson.

The trip to the national tournament was more than just a football trip. Away from the gridiron, the youths visited the UCLA campus, Santa Monica beach and Hollywood, including the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

On the field, the U8 RVA Skins advanced with a 20-13 victory over San Jose Hit Squad. But the Skins later were eliminated in the semifinals 40-6 by the Baldwin Bruins.

The U10 Virginia Vipers and U14 Battery Park Vikings fought hard, but both went 0-2 at the tournament. The Vikings were co-sponsored by the Richmond Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities.

In the U12 division, the King William Raiders lost their first game, but picked up a victory in a consolation round.

The football beat goes on. E2E is now preparing for its spring season.

Details: www.exceltoexcellence.org.