Picture this: over 140 of the best youth football teams and 170 elite cheer squads from all over the nation competing and giving everything they have for one goal, to be crowned a national champion. Along with the best teams, there is also an excellent venue, perfect weather, and a great organization that has all of the top youth football players and cheerleaders under their wing. There are a few tournaments that attempt to achieve this level of competition, but none compare to the American Youth Football and Cheer National Championships.
American Youth Football (AYF) is divided into nine regions: Desert Pacific, Mountain Northwest, Mid-West, Central Midwest, Southwest, Big East, Atlantic, New England, and Southeast. Each Region has their own tournament, leading up to Thanksgiving weekend, to determine the champions for each region. Regional Champions get an automatic bid to compete in the National Championships. All competitors will come down to Orlando to Austin Tindall Park to compete in their respective divisions. The football teams will battle for one week, from December 2 – December 7, while the cheer squads will bring it on December 8, 2012 for an all day cheer off.
It’s not just game action in Orlando. Participants will also get an opportunity to take part in Nike Sparq youth football clinics, have fun at the Universal Theme Park party and the “AYC Just Dance 4 Spirit Party” sponsored by Just Dance 4.
Adam Levitt, Vice President of Brand and Creative for AYF describes the event perfectly, “What we want our youth to take home is that of being a part of something special. They have worked all year long, on and off the field to represent their teams and communities and now it is paid off with a trip to sunny Orlando for a chance to play for a title,” he said. “But it’s not just about the games. This is their chance to make new friends, learn form pros and have the total and complete football and cheer experience.“
Founded in 1996, American Youth Football, known internationally as “AYF” began with the goal to provide a platform for youth football players and cheerleaders to compete in a positive and safe environment. Their rules and regulations are set to impact youth athletes not only on the field, but in their lives as well. Some AYF Alumni include Santonio Holmes, Chris Long, and Michael Smith, just to name a few.
Along with providing a safe, yet competitive format for youth football and cheer, AYF also provides top tier coaches, instructors, and advisors that influence our nation’s youth. AYF believes in giving back to their community and honors those young athletes who excel in the classroom as well. Great colleges and learning institutions such as The University of Central Florida, Boston College, Wagner College, Scholar Baller, and ACC Youth Football have partnered with AYF to provide avenues to help youth athletes succeed through various tutoring and mentoring programs.
“AYF’s impact has been profound. Teaching kids the game is one thing and our coaches, instructors and advisors are the best. But off the field we lead by example,” said Levitt. “We set high marks for reaching goals in academics and award those that do. We want to create leaders in this world.”
Born to Compete will be there in sunny Orlando, Florida to witness the hard hits and high herkes. The competition will be tough, the fans will be ready to cheer loud, and the event will be spectacular. We thank AYF for the opportunity to cover the 2012 American Youth Football and Cheer National Championships as the official youth sports media partner.
For more information about the AYF National Championships, go to www.ayfchampionship.com. For more information about American Youth Football, go to www.americanyouthfootball.com.
