On Dec. 5th, American Youth Football (AYF) and Under Armour will welcome more than 13,000 football players, cheerleaders and families from across the U.S. to Orlando, Florida for the 2009 Under Armour American Youth Football National Championships.
As the nation's largest championship football event at that level, participants will compete in 40 different divisions, allowing youth of all ages, sizes and skill levels a chance to play for a national title. AYF President Joe Galat, a former NFL and NCAA coach, emphasizes the goal of inclusiveness, “from 7-year-olds to middle school all-stars, all young people should have the opportunity to experience this extraordinary event. We built the week around family, fun, volunteerism, sportsmanship, and healthy competition; this event is the heart of the game of football.”
Another goal is to keep the event affordable. AYF works with county commissions instead of private facilities to help offset the cost of the event and to ultimately subsidize the participant cost. “It is key for us to keep the event accessible to families of all backgrounds,” says AYF Executive Director, Jessica Abramovich. “Bringing together kids from diverse groups who have a shared passion for football and cheer is an essential part of the championship experience.”
Aside from the intense competition, athletes will participate in Under Armour Combines and learn from the best performance trainers in sport. To celebrate their accomplishments, players and their families will take over Universal Studios for a private party. AYF will also induct a new class into the AYF Hall of Fame, which honors volunteers who have dedicated more than 25 years of service to their community youth football program. This year the inductees hail from Hawaii, California, Mississippi, Illinois and Florida.
Daily score updates and pictures from the event can be found at www.ayfchampionships.com. Coverage of the Under Armour American Youth Football National Championships will be broadcast on the Versus Network.
