American Youth Football Inc

American Youth Football Inc (AYF) is a nonprofit organization established in 1996 that promotes the development of youth through their association with adult leaders in American football and cheerleading. As a 501(c)(3) corporation, AYF provides support services, scholarships, grants, community programs, and tournaments to member organizations serving over one million participants across all 50 U.S. states and several countries internationally[1][5].

History and Mission

AYF was founded to rebuild a culture of football and cheer "for the kids," emphasizing inclusivity, simplicity, and community support. The organization pioneered the concept of age-based divisions, conference all-stars, and national all-stars, ensuring that every child has an opportunity to participate regardless of skill level or financial status. The organization's philosophy is non-intrusive, allowing member leagues to govern themselves while benefiting from AYF's resources and support[1][3].

The mission of American Youth Football focuses on promoting the wholesome development of youth through supervised sports participation. AYF aims to provide a safe, competitive environment safeguarded by rules and regulations to protect players and cheerleaders, fostering both athletic growth and character development[3][5].

Programs and Services

AYF offers a wide range of initiatives designed to support youth sports organizations and participants, including:

• Scholarships and educational awards for players who excel academically.
• Financial grants and donations to leagues in need.
• Community outreach programs like Rising Stars football camps targeting inner-city youth.
• Partnerships with major brands and organizations such as Nike for equipment sponsorship and FieldTurf for field development[1][5].

The organization has also partnered with the National Football League (NFL), which recognizes AYF as a national youth football partner. Several former NFL players and coaches, including Randy Moss, Tedy Bruschi, Pete Carroll, and Cris Collinsworth, have been involved with AYF, leveraging their experience to mentor young athletes[5].

Participation Requirements

Similar to other national youth football programs, AYF requires participants to demonstrate adequate academic performance to be eligible for participation. The organization encourages scholastic achievement by offering awards and scholarships to those who excel in the classroom[5].

Reach and Impact

American Youth Football’s programs have reached over 500,000 participants in the United States and abroad. It operates as a grassroots organization that empowers local leagues to manage their own affairs, fostering a wide network of youth football and cheer communities. With its extensive membership and inclusive philosophy, AYF remains one of the largest and most influential youth football organizations in the world[1][5].