Make Registration and Administration EASY in 2012
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 Upcoming Dates AYF & AYC 2012 Calendar Is HERE
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Got swagger?
Customize your ball
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2012 Hall of Fame Nominees
The AYF Hall of Fame inducts those who have worked with Youth for 25 years or more.
Nominate your hero now email us.
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PROTECT. PERFORM
Official Protective Sponsor of AYF
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Kickoff 2012 is Coming!
With on-field practice set to begin in two weeks, American Youth Football is poised for the most anticipated season ever! Registrations for teams around the country continue to grow at a phenomenal rate, and this is your chance to Join and be a part of the AYF family. Members and non-members remember these important steps.
1. Go to JoinAYF.com to sign up and register your organization with American Youth Football. 2. Go to MYAYF.com to log into your personal account. This is the ONLY place to get your benefits, manage your teams, and find your Sadler Insurance password.
** In order to be eligible, you MUST add at least one contact per team by August 1st at MYAYF.com.
3. Go to PlayAYF.com to register your individual players and get specific management tools. PlayAYF will also help with roster submissions.
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Importance of Concussion Awareness
(AYF) - American Youth Football (AYF) and Axon sports, innovators in online concussion management tools, have partnered to offer a unique baseline test to AYF members. The test, offered to athlete's 10 & over, measures speed and accuracy of different aspects of thinking including processing speed, attention, learning and working memory.
"Axon sports is proud to partner with American Youth Football to offer its members cognitive testing for concussion management," said Axon Managing Director Jason Sada. "Our mission is to protect and train the athletic brain."
Where once the idea of protecting and training the brain was not a priority, now, especially on the youth level, its vital. Axon's scientists are working diligently to offer new and improved ways to address this growing need for baseline and after injury testing.
"Baseline testing is like a physical for the brain. It gives us a snapshot of an athlete's current cognitive level," said Dr. Jason Cromer, Axon Sports lead Cognitive Neuroscientist.
Domestically and abroad, AYF athletes will now be able to establish a preseason baseline to have and compare should trauma or injury occur during the year. This helps to measure full recovery in the brain.
"In sports the brain must be protected, and we are proud to offer this unique cognitive assessment to our AYF members," said Adam Levitt, Vice President of American Youth Football.
Despite the fact that there is no band aid solution to the concussion issue which exists at every level, AYF is focused on communicating the proper messaging to its members and offering the most professional services.
"In today's culture, safety in sports is paramount at the youth level. For that, AYF and its coaches, administrators and officials must set the example," said Joe Galat, President of American Youth Football.
The Center for Disease Control estimates that one in 10 athletes will suffer a sports-related concussion this year. Now, AYF members can go to PlayAYF.com, its player registration and team management site, to not only sign up and get a 15% discount on the Axon Baseline test, but also the ability to manage with its cutting edge technology.
American Youth Football is changing the culture of all of football by promoting safety and sportsmanship, and its partnership with Axon Sports will help offer its over one million members a chance to stay aware, stay safe and stay proactive.
Stay tuned each month an exclusive AYF/Axon Sports blog in which Dr. Jason Cromer will keep readers up to date on the most important aspects in the world of concussion management.
Learn more at PlayAYF.com or Axonsports.com.
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Last Call to Register
Are you late registering your players for the new season? AYF can help. SIGN UP NOW at PlayAYF.com for access to benefits designed exclusively for AYF members including: . Online Registration
. Team Management
. Background Checks
. Baseline Testing as part of your concussion management program
PlayAYF was designed specifically for the AYF/AYC organization as an easy to use online player registration system, that allows organizations to reduce paper applications, populate AYF forms, track finances, create and manage teams, communicate with teams and rosters, distribute practice and game schedules, conduct background checks, provide Axon baseline testing as part of concussion management... AND MORE!
Go to PlayAYF.com for the registration system designed for you with no upfront costs. Background Checks Here is a terrifying statistic-one of every four girls and one of every six boys will be victims of sexual abuse by the time they are 18. An even scarier statistic is this-more than 90% of the abusers are people the children knew and trusted. What level of scrutiny will you face in light of increasing reports of predatory behavior by adult coaches? At PlayAYF we've created a quick survey to get your opinion to help us educate sports organizations on this important topic. ** Please take simply 5 minutes to complete the survey by clicking HERE.
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Modell's Team Weeks
Modell's Sporting Goods is excited to continue their partnership with American Youth Football for the 2012 season! Like AYF, Modell's values organizations that instill the values of sportsmanship, volunteerism and leadership into our youth.
Through our partnership, we will be offering team discounts, fundraising opportunities, sponsorships of individual teams and events, and one on one customer service through our store and Community Ambassador team.
Team Weeks - Team Discount & Fundraising Program
- The Team Weeks program allows parents, coaches, players and officials the opportunity to save when purchasing the equipment, clothing and footwear necessary to get on the field.
- Receive 15% off for two months with your organization's Team Weeks coupon.
- Team Weeks is also a fundraiser! Modell's will donate 5% of your coupon sales back to your organization.
- Team Weeks coupons will be directly sent to organizations by July 26th. Please make sure to distribute to all of your members to maximize your donations back!
Grants
- 1% of total sales generated through the Team Weeks coupons will be donated back to the regions as a travel grant for teams that need assistance for Regional & National Champions.
- Modell's guarantees a minimum donation of $6,000 that will be divided between the New England, Big East and Mid-Atlantic regions.
Sponsorships
- Modell's takes pride in sponsoring local teams and events in our community.
- Sponsorships come in the form of product donations, gift cards, cash and other elements.
Events
- AYF members may also be considered for special events such as: Private Shopping Nights, Equipment Sizing, Appearances from Professional Athletes, & In-Store Release Parties from your favorite brands!
Modells.com
- Modell's is in the process of re-launching our website with new product offerings through November.
- We are offering AYF members 10% off team licensed apparel from June 27th - July 27th with promo code AYF10.
If you are interested in receiving your Team Weeks coupon earlier, want to discuss sponsorships of team, or just have questions, feel free to reach out to the local Community Ambassador in your region. We want to do everything in our power to make this season a success and look forward to working with you.
Welcome to the Modell's Family!
Modell's Sporting Goods Community Ambassadors:
Mark Johnson
NH, MA, RI, CT
MarkJ@msgmail.com
Jon Boyd
Long Island, NY
JonB@msgmail.com
Bobby Jackson
Manhattan, Bronx, Staten Island NY
RobertJ@msgmail.com
Christian Lopez
Queens, Brooklyn, NY
ChristianL@msgmail.com
Megan Steinberger
Orange, Westchester, Rockland County, NY
Northern NJ
MeganS@msgmail.com
Lisa DiBenedetto
Central, South NJ
LisaD@msgmail.com
Derrick Morgan
Matt Stefan
PA, DE
Jamal Jones
MD, VA, DC
JamalJ@msgmail.com
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Tell Us Your Story!
From the great story of The Playmakers in Sacramento, to the equipment donations in central Florida and the love of developing the game in Brazil, American Youth Football takes pride in the great stories that make up our organization. But it doesn't stop there! We want to hear from our coaches, parents and instructors about the unique and inspirational stories going on in your city or town. Please contact alevitt@americanyouthfootball.com today with your story. Huskies Cheerleaders Support Special Needs There is a remarkable group of young ladies in Hunterdon who, along with their coaches, provided a small team of special needs students a chance to be recognized for their unique abilities.  This year, as part of the American Youth Cheer's goal to include all students in cheerleading, the Hunterdon Huskies Cheerleading organization formed the Contender team for very special girls and boys wishing to participate in this sport.
Under the direction of Debbie House and her student assistant, Jenna Slusar, five aspiring athletes, including our daughter, Katie, met twice weekly to learn how to cheer, dance, and have a good time. They were outfitted in Huskies uniforms and encouraged in their routines to cheer at weekly football teams. But most important, the families and fans of the regular Huskies cheerleaders embraced wholeheartedly the efforts of our daughters. The team members not only provided enthusiastic moral support, but also they and their parents created special posters for these girls, including the goody bags and paraphernalia before cheer events. We are deeply touched and overwhelmed by the outpouring of warmth by the Huskies cheerleaders and their families, and we cannot thank all of you enough for allowing our daughter to be part of your group. We especially want to thank our wonderful coaches for their hard work, love and support. Without them, the Contenders simply could not have existed. While the Huskies cheer team continues its quest to reach the National finals held in Florida, they may not realize something they already have accomplished: they are the true champions. JOHN, SUZANNE, AND KATIE HIGGINS
Annandale
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Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl
 The Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl is excited to partner with AYF for the 2012 season!
The partnership will kickoff with a FREE football clinic on July 21st at Kezar stadium in San Francisco. AYF members from the surrounding areas are encouraged to come out and learn from college coaches from Stanford, Cal, San Jose State and City College of San Francisco! Space is limited to register online today!
This year's Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl will be played on Saturday, December 29th at AT&T Park in San Francisco and will feature a team from the Pac-12 vs Navy. Be on the lookout for more ways that AYF/AYC members can get involved with the Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl game in the future.
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School of the Legends - Legends In Training Team Packs - just in time for the 2012 season.
 "You want to be a doctor, you learn from a doctor. You want to play football you learn from a legend." - Kevin Carter, 14-year NFL player, and one of 27 with over 100 career sacks.
Youth teams, coaches, and players...let School Of The Legends (SOTL) help you make your 2012 AYF season your most memorable yet. Don't be unprepared, give yourself and your team a leg up on your competition with SOTL's Legends in Training Team Pack. Your team will receive:
- one (1) Legends in Training single-class training code for EVERY player on your team (give us total number of players and we'll customize your Team Pack).
- one (1) pair of SOTL wristbands for EVERY player on your team (give us total number of players and we'll customize your Team Pack)
- One (1) complimentary Legends in Training All-Access code for the Head Coach, allowing access to all of SOTL's current and future training videos.
Let School of the Legends' 40+ Legends in Training instructors help you take your team to the next level with position-by-position online training courses taught by some of the NFL's greatest players. All videos are online and high-definition quality, with interactive and engaging content such as video replays, quizzes, tests, and much more will keep the youth athlete entertained and challenged to become a better player! You can access your video of choice as often as you want for one (1) year and you will even receive a signed certificate from your instructor of choice after your final exam!
To learn more about SOTL's Legends in Training Series, click HERE for a great promotional video featuring the likes of:
. Maurice Jones-Drew
. Darren Sharper
. Tony Gonzalez
. Michael Vick
. Larry Fitzgerald
. Kevin Carter
. And Many More
Again, the best part is SOTL is outfitting ALL teams and even leagues with customized team packs for the great low price of just $10.00 per athlete!
Interested? Call 877-611-SOTL(7685) or email sales@sotl.com to place your order.
Go to www.schoolofthelegends.com for more information.
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(AYF) - The American Youth Football family extends far and wide, and efforts to give back to the community continues to be one of the organizations guiding principles. Equipment donation, clinics, scholarships are all key to helping young athletes achieve, but recently, the story of The Playmakers out of NORCAL AYF is proof positive that with effort and commitment, our next generation athletes are in good hands. The Playmakers, founded by Coach Greg Roeszler in Sacramento, California, has a mission to help and guide fatherless children in his community through teamwork, accountability, and sport. Roeszler, an ex NFL player with the Oakland Raiders, was a high school coach in northern California, when he began to notice a disturbing trend in his area. The correlation between a struggling economy and family structure with a lack of direction from absent fathers turned his attention to action. "Statistically speaking 40% of AYF families have no father," Roeszler said. "Right now my resources are best spent with these lost kids that just need a little direction." With that sentiment and drive, Coach Roz as he's known in the community, formed The Playmakers with a mission to mentor boys on the core values of accountability, teamwork and family through education and of course football. For nearly two hours a day, Roeszler and his staff teach kids in the classroom reading, writing, and the important lessons needed to one day lead their own families as present fathers. But it's not just in the classroom where these kids are taught lessons. "We take them out each day and for about 40 minutes and we play football," Roeszler said. "These kids will one day be making a difference in their family by what we teach them on the field. Youth coaches are a catalyst to changing the culture of a fatherless society." Building character on the field to lead to a better life off of it helps guide The Playmakers, but Roeszler is still in need of donations to help his organization as the participation and numbers begin to grow. That's when AYF's Circle of Giving went into action. Roeszler made a call to Lou Montanaro of the NJAYF asking if he had any equipment to donate. Coincidentally, at that same time, the Rumson Bulldogs of NJAYF asked Lou if they knew of anyone that needed equipment because they wanted to donate. "I think what Coach Roeszler is doing in California is great," Montanaro said. "Naturally when we got the call from Rumson we saw this as a chance to give to The Playmakers organization." At the heart of Roeszler's mission is giving back to the community, which is something the AYF family is proud to support. And with continued dedication from members like Greg Roeszler, young kids in northern California will learn the necessary values to help them grow into strong men. For more information on The Playmakers go to theplaymakers.org. If you or someone you know has a uniform or equipment to donate please email AYF Services today. |
Joe's President's Corner
I heard a talking head on TV say "The possibility exists that one day soon we may wake up to a different world than the one we had when we went to bed!" Wow - What could that mean? I think he was referring to advances in technology and communications. But Mother Nature should never be underestimated- the power went off in many states last week, and our friends and neighbors were forced to deal with sweltering hot temperatures without air conditioning. Our thoughts go out to our fellow countryman as we have all known the feeling of lost convenience. Electric power companies, phone-cable companies, police, fireman, EMT's and doctors all are still working overtime to restore our lives to the conveniences we usually take for granted. It will take weeks to get lives in those communities back to normal. Workers are still clearing roads, restoring power lines, and tending to the sick. Once again America when challenged will rise to the occasion and show unparalleled TEAMWORK for service neighbors in need. If you get a chance give them a wave and a big thumbs up - that would make them feel like their heroic efforts are appreciated. When challenged America represents an all for one and one for all mentality.
Have you ever considered why we love superheroes? Batman, Spiderman and all the rest who serve their community fighting that never ending battle for truth, justice and the American way? The instant a community is in trouble they spring into action to quickly solve the problem in seconds. Wouldn't it be great if we could all be like them when service to our neighbors needs restored?
OK, now you say,"that does not happen in real life." Well, the American Service Industry covers a vast array of diverse people. On a national level we can never forget those in the Military Service who protect our freedom, and the Postal Service, which provides a miracle, seeing that the mail must go through in spite of rain, sleet, snow or dog bites.
Just the daily waiting in line for a local service is a stressful chore; especially when you see people who could be attending to the service on a break or just standing around while we wait. Poor examples of service are easy to find. Sam Walton, founder of Walmart, was a pioneer in customer service. Walmart is one of the most successful businesses in America. Yeah - I heard the jokes about returning the prom dress the day after the prom claiming - "the dress didn't fit"? Still, because of Mr. Walton, returns have become the norm in most retail stores. The culture of service is to imagine that you "Walk a mile in the customer's moccasins". The service champions in my opinion are those who perform the most dedicated service of all, parenting. Parents, one of Gods most helpless creatures, requiring self sacrifice and love to raise a beautiful child. Hands down they deserve the Service Championship Title.
Some place between heroes and parents we find you, Mr. and Ms. youth administrator or coach. Community SERVICE is what makes the USA the worlds greatest country. No other country can boast that their communities provide services in education, recreation, care for health and yet still donate the most to charity projects. Today, with the "Every child gets a trophy" and "To honor the game" philosophy, it gets forgotten in favor of lawsuits. Remember, you don't need to be Spiderman to teach by example and help get kids to honor themselves and learn the value of service.
We can't show you the BAT SIGNAL for your service but we can give you a thumbs up.
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