- American Youth Football
American Youth Football (AYF) was established in
1996 , as an international youth football organization that promotes the development of youth through their association with adult leaders in the sport ofAmerican football . Rules and regulations are established to ensure that players are in a safe environment with a competitive balance between teams. TheNational Football League (NFL) has made AYF a national youth football partner. [ [http://www.nflhs.com/NFLPrograms/YouthFund/HowWeHelp_01182002_sim.asp NFLHS.COM - Youth Football Fund: How the NFL Can Help ] ] The President of American Youth Football isJoe Galat .AYF allows local members to govern themselves while remaining non-intrusive. AYF is a fast growing youth organization in America and in 12 years has reached 50 states and six countries with more than 500,000 documented participants. AYF admits everyone, regardless of financial capabilities, location, participation. [ [http://www.americanyouthfootball.com/about.asp AYF - American Youth Football & Cheer ] ] AYF programs range from financial grants to leagues who need help, shoes for kids programs sponsored by Nike, field development in conjunction with
FieldTurf , and Rising Stars football camps [ [http://risingstarsfootball.com/main.asp Rising Stars Football Camp ] ] which send inner-city kids to football camp.Giving Back
With his time spent coaching and managing professional and college football teams, Galat volunteered some of his time to attend youth football league functions. When he became president of American Youth Football, Galat’s strategy was simple: change the rules and traditions of the game creating unlimited weight divisions and restrict older kids from playing younger age kids. The National Football League works with AYF as a National Youth Football Partner on making the game better for the kids. [ [http://www.nflhs.com/NFLPrograms/YouthFund/HowWeHelp_01182002_sim.asp NFLHS.COM - Youth Football Fund: How the NFL Can Help ] ]
New England Patriots wide receiverRandy Moss is also giving back to the game as a spokesperson for AYF. [ [http://www.patriots.com/news/index.cfm?ac=generalnewsdetail&pid=28046&pcid=76 Randy Moss teams up with American Youth Football ] ] He has recently established anon-profit organization to help needy youth football programs buy new uniforms and equipment for youngsters.“Randy is a true champion of our cause and has taken the mission of giving back into his own hands”, stated AYF President, Joe Galat. “He has stepped up as a leader; his work is going to help a lot of kids.” [ [http://www.projo.com/patriots/content/sp_fbn_patsside03_10-03-07_SS7BPKJ.2d46136.html Milestones, superlatives keep coming Moss’ way | New England Patriots | projo.com | The Providence Journal ] ] Randy Moss is not the only NFL player to contribute to youth football. Other NFL players that are involved with American Youth Football include
Tedy Bruschi ,Adam Archuleta ,Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila , andBraylon Edwards , in addition to college football coachPete Carroll and TV personalityCris Collinsworth .Foreign Influence
American tackle football is currently being played in Israel. For the first time ever, in 2007, Israeli players and teams are putting on the pads and helmets to play
American football in a competitive league. This was made possible by the joint efforts of American Youth Football and the league sponsor, FieldTurf. The teams in the league are located inJerusalem (stadium is named the Kraft Family Stadium afterRobert Kraft , the New England Patriots owner),Tel Aviv ,Haifa and theSharon . American Youth Football has donated equipment for the kids to be able to play in the league. [ [http://www.israelfootball.net/default.asp?PageID=39 American Football in Israel ] ]References
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