The Huddle - Official Newsletter of AYF/AYC

I'll bet you looked at the AYF Moto "Giving Back" and said to yourself very trendy! Everyone claims that. Yes - I know Bill Gates, Warren Buffet, Ted Turner, Denzel Washington, etc. the list goes on and on. OK - Listen, AYF adopted that motto in the early 1990s when the Internet was hardly a source of information. Since then, "Giving Back" has become a popular buzz word for all the blogs of the rich and famous.

This is a story of how AYF Gives Back.

Associations
In this edition of the Huddle, you will see that many established grassroots AYF Associations have generously donated cheer uniforms and football equipment to needy AYF Associations across the USA. We love the many stories of AYF helping their AYF neighbors one on one. In contrast, many AYF Associations were involved in the Hurricane Katrina relief efforts. AYF Associations throughout the country sent aid. Four 18 wheelers with food, clothing, and water were trucked from AYF Communities. Palos Verdes Association flew a Hurricane devastated AYF Football team to California to play a game share a Thanksgiving Dinner and donated funds to replace equipment.

Sponsors
Under Armour, Riddell, and Wilson have donated uniforms and equipment to AYF Associations each year. The drama of the donations to Samoa AYF is finally resolved, though AYF was not mentioned by 60 Minutes. The end result is that Samoa AYF finally secured the disputed equipment and more from Under Amour. The retail value of AYF donations is nearly $15,000,000.00. PCC President Dean Pliaconis has generously provided the transporting of donation shipments through his Moving Company to many AYF Conferences.

Academic Achievement Alliance
Carl Allegretti has established a Scholarship Fund. The top student each year is awarded an Academic Achievement Alliance Scholarship. Also, Eastbay donated Scholarships to the top ranking students. An interesting side note Joe Morella last year's 2009 top award winner conducted a successful giving back project for the homeless in his community.

AYF Communities
You will hear AYF Staff constantly refer to AYF as a community rather than a corporation. As a service to volunteers all AYF staff members pledge to respond to your questions within 24 hours. Volunteers are passionate about the values learned in gootball and cheerleading. Both sports need more public education on the safety issues that dominate the media. Administrators and Coaches give back so much of their time. Thanks to the administrators and coaches for making AYF Safe, Fun, and Fair. AYF is compelled to recognize their good work at the AYF Annual Awards Presentation.

AYF families
Nobody gives back more than AYF parents. It is not easy to pursue an education and participate in sports. Growing up is tough. Sometimes a mother's loving hug is all that is needed. Sometimes a father's guidance is needed. When a National Championship was lost as a result of a late penalty, the Coach Bill Otte did not blame the referee. Instead he took his son aside and said "I hope you learned today that the penalty did not have to happen." Exemplary parents give children self worth. In the big game of life, when a child learns to give back, the circle is complete.