2009 Under Armour American Youth Football National Championships
Athletes to Showcase Football Skills and Learn from Top Performance Trainers at the Under Armour Combines
On December 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.
AYF hosts the nation’s largest championship football event as they strive to accomplish their mission of providing all kids a place to play. 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.
American Youth Football (AYF)
(AYF) is an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides support services, scholarships, grants, giving back programs and tournaments to over 600,000 youth members in 50 states and several countries worldwide. AYF is the nations largest football program and is committed to Giving Back; since its inception in 1996, AYF has donated over $15 million dollars in grants and athletic product to communities that support youth football. AYF was the first national organization to offer all-inclusive football divisions, enabling every child a place to play. For more information visit the website at www.americanyouthfootball.com.
Source: American Youth Football
Knights of Columbus to Promote Volunteerism in 9/11 Tribute Ad
60-second broadcast spot to air during inaugural game of NFL ’09 Season
The Knights of Columbus, one of the nation’s most active volunteer service organizations — and the world’s largest lay Catholic organization — will air a unique 60-second 9/11 tribute ad during NBC-TV’s broadcast of the inaugural game of the NFL’s 2009 season on Thursday night, Sept. 10.
The piece will run during halftime of the 8:30 p.m. ET game, which will feature the Tennessee Titans and the Pittsburgh Steelers. The spot will run in New York, Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, and Dallas.
Recalling the heroism displayed on 9/11, the 60-second spot reminds Americans that “we can still see the best in humanity today,” if we “give back.”
The spot directs viewers to www.servicetogether.org — a Web site with resources for volunteers and volunteer organizations.
The importance of giving is captured in the commercial through the story of 9/11 hero Capt. Al Fuentes of the FDNY Marine Division. Capt. Fuentes, now retired, was buried in the rubble of World Trade Center for nearly two hours before being rescued by his fellow firefighters.
“What I have been given is another chance,” Fuentes recounts in the piece. “I need to, and I will, give back: that is what the Knights of Columbus have always shown me for 38 years.”
The Knights of Columbus produced the ad as a tribute to those who lost their lives in the 9/11 attacks and as a reminder of the importance of keeping their heroic spirit of service alive.
The spot concludes by listing a new Web site, www.servicetogether.org, set up by the Knights of Columbus to help volunteers find organizations that can put their talents to good use, and includes resources to help volunteer organizations work more effectively with the volunteers they have.
“We will never forget the tragedy of September 11, 2001,” said Carl Anderson, Supreme Knight of the Knights of Columbus. “But we also must not lose sight of the heroic giving spirit of that motivated the heroes of 9/11 and those who volunteered in its aftermath. The problems we face today are different from those of 2001, but the need for service to our neighbor remains the same: it is truly, ‘the best of humanity.’”
In addition to the game on Sept. 10, the piece will run during NBC’s regional coverage of NFL games on Sunday, Sept. 13 in the same cities, and in New York, Dallas and Los Angeles during the PGA tournament.
One of the nation’s most active charities, last year the Knights of Columbus donated more than $150 million and nearly 69 million hours of service to charitable causes.
The Knights of Columbus was one of the first organizations to organize a response to 9/11. On Sept. 12, 2001, the Knights of Columbus launched the “Heroes Fund” which provided emergency funding — without red-tape — to the families of fallen police, firefighters and emergency services personnel. Nearly $1.5 million was distributed via this program.
Source: Knights of Columbus
kgb 542542 to Tackle All Your College Football Questions
From player and team stats and scores and schedules to info about the sport’s colorful traditions, passions and pageantry, kgb 542542 text answer service is game to answer all your college football questions
The 2009 college football season kicks off tonight and kgb is in the huddle to answer all of your pigskin questions. Below are some college football-related questions being tossed at kgb’s 542542 text answer service.
Who threw the most touchdown passes in a college football game? What is the name of the Ohio State mascot? Where and when is this year’s Army-Navy football game? Who won the 1980 Heisman trophy? When is Alabama Homecoming Weekend and who is the opponent?
Here’s the score: if you have a college football question (or any questions for that matter), send it via text message to 542542 (kgbkgb), the number for the kgb’s text answer service, where a specially-trained kgb Special Agent is waiting to provide a quick, accurate answer.
The kgb 542542 text answer service combines the power of the company’s best-in-class knowledge database and technology platform along with the judgment and skill of a specially-trained community of kgb Special Agents who provide quick, accurate responses to any question. Users receive real-time responses to questions any time, day or night, from any cell phone, for a cost of ninety-nine cents.
In January kgb launched its flagship text answer service, 542542 (kgbkgb) following the success of kgb’s similar “Ask Us Anything” premium text answer service in the United Kingdom.
Source: kgb
Don’t Let Ads Take Fun Out of Football, Wake Forest University Expert Says
On September 10, the NFL kicks off its season, and about 5.3 million children ages 2 to 17 will be watching football with their parents this fall. Pro football is by far the most popular sport among kids; 65.7% of kids ages 7-11 say they watch pro football on television. But what are your children watching besides football?
Advertisements promoting alcohol and sexual-enhancement drugs.
These ads have increased significantly during broadcasts of NFL games in recent years, leaving parents of children who enjoy watching the games wondering what they should do.
Christy Buchanan, an expert on parent-child relationships and a professor of psychology at Wake Forest University, can address the effect these ads have on kids and how parents can handle commercial breaks that challenge family values.
A recent study by the non-profit group Common Sense Media reviewed nearly 60 games, more than 180 hours of coverage, watched nearly 6,000 commercials and showed the following:
- 300 of the ads were for alcohol
- 40% of the games included advertisements for erectile-dysfunction drugs
- 500 of the advertisements involved significant levels of violence, including gun fights, explosions, and murders
- 80 of the advertisements involved significant levels of sexuality, including scenes about prostitution and strippers
Buchanan offers the following tips to parents trying to figure out what to do when a kindergartner asks “What is Viagra?” or a teenager comments on how much fun people are having in a beer commercial:
Take a “values moment” – Leave the TV on, but talk about family values. For older children (middle school age and up), parents can use the opportunity to engage children in conversation, particularly about issues such as drinking. “It is important for parents to address issues and share their values,” Buchanan says. “So, when beer commercials come on, talk about your views on drinking. There are so many societal messages that say ‘drinking makes life fun.’ This is a parent’s opportunity to say what they think and start a discussion.”
Switch channels and find another show — For younger children, hit the flashback button to Animal Planet or “SpongeBob” on the remote control, and then go back to the game in two minutes.
Mute the TV — Without the sound, commercials lose a lot of their impact. Parents can also use the time to talk about what’s happening in the game.
Turn off the TV
Source: Wake Forest University
Chicago to host Lingerie Football League opener
THE HERALDED SUPER BOWL HALFTIME COUNTER-PROGRAMMING SPECIAL BECOMES A LEAGUE MEDIA DAY, SEARS CENTRE ARENA, HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL., TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2009, 10AM – 1130AM
One of television’s biggest commercial properties is set to make its debut Friday, September 4, 2009 as the Lingerie Football League (or ‘LFL’) kicks-off its (20) week inaugural season featuring America’s most beautiful and athletic women playing 7-on-7 tackle football at major arenas and stadiums on Friday nights as part of LFL, Friday Night Football.
What started out as a Super Bowl halftime counter-programming special has now turned into a year-round brand complete with a Fantasy Football Draft, Mini-Camp, Training Camp, Regular Season Games, Championship Game and All-Start Game.
In four days, a new era in pro football will kickoff in Chicago at Sears Centre Arena with the premiere of LFL, Friday Night Football showcasing (1) game per week in a Game of The Week type format. Opening Night will feature the pre-season and hometown favorite Chicago Bliss hosting the Miami Caliente.
The broadcast will team will include longtime ESPN NFL Analyst Sean Salisbury, veteran Chicago Bulls play-by-play man – Tom Dore. Maxim Hot 100 winner April Rose will provide sideline duties.
Chicago fans wanting to start their Labor Day partying early can arrive to the arena at 3PM and take part in the LFL Tailgate Village festivities that will include DJs, BBQ Food, Video Gaming Lounge, Football Challenges, Player Meet/Greets, Beer Gardens etc.
A few tickets remain for Opening Night at Sears Centre Arena, fans can order tickets at http://www.ticketmaster.com/ by typing in Chicago Bliss in the Search box or by calling 1.800.745.3000.
Fans not lucky enough to land tickets to the big game in Chicago? LFL fans can catch any of the (20) LFL, Friday Night Football games LIVE and uncensored streaming at LFLUS.com. There are also a handful of domestic regional television stations and international distributors that will broadcast the games. Single game viewing will cost $7.95 with season passes being listed for $125.00.
Source: Lingerie Football League
Back-to-School Parents Earn an A+ in Safety: Backpacks, Cheerleading, Football
Orthopaedic surgeons offer tips for keeping kids healthy at the start of the school year
Parents are beginning to think about getting their children back to school in the weeks ahead. Shopping for school supplies and backpacks will soon begin. The anticipation of new teachers and new classes is brewing for both parents and students, mixed with the questions of which after-school sports to participate in. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) offers timely tips and statistics to keep students safe this school year.
Healthy Backs
Bags that are too heavy or are worn incorrectly could injure a child’s bones, muscles and joints.
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), there were 12,309 bookbag injuries, in 2008, sending kids to doctor’s offices, hospitals and emergency departments. To minimize injury, the AAOS recommends:
– Purchasing backpacks with different-sized compartments as well as construction features such as padded shoulder straps and dense material to protect against sharp, protruding objects.
– Organizing the backpack to use all of its compartments. Place the heaviest items closest to the center of the back.
– Not overloading the backpack. A heavy backpack forces the wearer to bend forward.
New School Year Activities
Once the shopping is over, kids will be ready to partake in after-school sports including cheerleading, football, soccer and gymnastics. The AAOS recommends daily exercise to build strong bones and suggests school sports as one way to get that needed activity.
“Sports can be a great way for young people to get the exercise they need, while also developing social skills and having fun,” says Marc Rankin, MD, orthopaedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine and spokesperson for the Academy. “Because children’s bones, muscles, ligaments and tendons are still growing, they are more susceptible to injury than adults. Parents and coaches should always be on alert to ensure that kid’s sports involvement does not do more harm than good.”
In 2008, the CPSC reported the following statistics on injuries to children under 18:
– Football is the leading cause of injury, sending 1,024,022 kids to doctor’s offices, emergency rooms and hospitals.
– Soccer is next on the list, with 368, 726 injuries for that same age group.
– Cheerleading was the cause of 75,307 injuries.
– And, gymnastics injuries numbered 67,542.
Better Your Child’s Odds
Knowing these risks, AAOS offers back-to-school safety tips:
- Have your child always warm up and stretch before exercising, particularly when the weather is cold. Athletes should warm up with some light exercise for at least 3 to 5 minutes, then slowly and gently stretch the muscles to be exercised, holding each stretch for at least 30 seconds.
- Make sure a coach with the appropriate training heads your child’s program.It is important for your child to stay active during the summer, so that s/he is prepared to begin participating in fall sports.
- Have kids take frequent water breaks to prevent dehydration and overheating.
- Discourage dangerous tactics of play and risky techniques. Strictly enforce appropriate rules to minimize overuse of growing bones.
- Never push a child beyond the point of safety, physically or emotionally.
- Check to make sure equipment is adequately maintained and used properly. Protective equipment such as padding, headgear, mouth guards and cups, must fit properly and their use must be strictly enforced.
- Learn to recognize early signs of pain and discomfort in children, and teach children to be aware of those signs as well. Let them know they should notify their coach or parent as soon as they experience any pain.
- Require each child see a physician to undergo a pre-season physical.
Youth sports should always be fun. A “win at all costs” attitude can lead to injuries, because a young athlete striving to meet the unrealistic expectations of others may ignore the warning signs of injury and continue to play with pain. Support from parents and coaches, whether young athletes win or lose, can be their greatest protection.
More injury prevention information, visit www.orthoinfo.org
Source: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
Danny Wallace Joins Global Fight Against MS
Former Man Utd star Danny Wallace is helping to shine the spotlight on the condition that ended his career early by joining together with the MS Society to support World MS Day.
The first coordinated world-wide initiative to highlight the proliferation of multiple sclerosis (MS) is being launched Wednesday 27 May)with more than 200 events in 61 countries in a concerted effort to raise global awareness of the disease.
World MS Day coincides with the football Champions League final, where Danny’s former team take on FC Barcelona in Rome.
Bidding Sir Alex and the team good luck, Danny said: “I’ve seen first hand how MS can turn someone’s life upside down. I wish I was still playing but I love the game and that will never change; neither will the importance of raising awareness of this debilitating condition.”
FC Barcelona’s star player and manager Lionel Messi and Josep Guardiola have also come out in support of the special day.
Argentinean Messi said: “Whenever I go out to the field, whenever I kick the ball and whenever I run to catch it, every step and every effort I make will be a tribute to the people who live with a much more difficult challenge, to fight every day against MS.”
This first ever World MS Day has been organised by Multiple Sclerosis International Federation (MSIF – http://www.msif.org) and by MS Societies in 61 countries around the world.
UK MS Society Chief Executive, Simon Gillespie, said: “The MS Society is delighted to be part of World MS Day and it is right that we shine the spotlight on this condition, which can have a devastating affect on people’s lives.
“With global co-operation, we will together be able to help the millions around the world who are affected by MS and their fight against the disease.”
The day aims to be a day of unity, strength and solidarity, where people affected by MS in homes, towns and cities across the world come together to take positive action on MS.
The goal is to mobilise and expand the global MS movement by encouraging people to talk about their MS experiences, donate to support people affected by MS and to fund research, join MS organisations around the world and encourage politicians to take action.
In the lead-up to this first ever World MS Day, US climber Lori Schneider has reached the summit of Mt Everest and is believed to be the first person with diagnosed MS to stand at the top of the world.
Meanwhile rock group U2 has lent support through the use of its song ‘Beautiful Day’ for the global campaign film showing the ‘Beautiful Day/ 1000 faces of Multiple Sclerosis’, which will be released on 00.01 GMT Wednesday 27 May.
MS is found in every country in the world, and is one of the most common neurological diseases amongst people in their 20s and 30s. It affects people often at the beginning of their working lives, when they are starting a family. MS affects at least twice as many women as men. Up to 60% of people diagnosed with MS will suffer long-term disability. So far, there is no proven cause and no cure.
Peer Baneke, CEO of MSIF, said: “No matter where they live, people with MS, their families, friends and the wider community, need to come together to help fight this disease and allow people in any country to discuss their MS openly. We want to support those who have MS and work together across the globe to find a cure.”
What is happening on World MS Day?
Among the many initiatives:
- Global campaign film released on May 27 featuring U2′s “Beautiful Day” will highlight the many different faces of MS
- The US National MS Society is issuing a call to action to more than 850,000 individuals with an affiliation to the MS movement asking them to tell their federal legislators to support adequate, affordable health care coverage for all
- MS Society of Palestine opens its first office
- “Roll for MS” cycling and motorcycling events in Belgium, Canada, France and Luxembourg.
- In Ireland, eight people will climb six mountains in 72 hours, there will be a national seminar, exhibition, membership drive and hundreds of people will take to the streets in red MS Ireland t-shirts to raise awareness and funds.
- Human chains formed in Mumbai and Delhi, India
- Research conference in Norway
- Concerts in Greece and Cyprus
For further events search our global map at: http://www.worldmsday.org/map
Among the leading sports stars to support World MS Day:
Lionel Messi, Argentina, FC Barcelona footballer, who will play in the European Champions’ League Final, against Manchester United in Rome on World MS Day . Josep Guardiola, Spain, FC Barcelona Manager. Betty Cuthbert, Australia, four-times Olympic gold medallist runner. Bjørn Daehlie, Norway, eight-times Olympic gold medallist skier. Cesc Fàbregas, Spain, Arsenal FC footballer. Ignacio “Nacho” González, Uruguay, Newcastle FC footballer. Nelson Évora, Olympic and world triple jump champion, Portugal
Other global celebrities supporting World MS Day include: Her Excellency Ms Quentin Bryce AC Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, Evy Gruyaert, TV/ radio presenter, Belgium, Mimis Plessas, composer, Greece, Milind Soman, Bollywood actor, India, Nicoletta Mantovani, wife of Luciano Pavarotti, Italy, Lorenzo Quinn, sculptor, Italy/ USA, Job Cohen, Mayor of Amsterdam, Netherlands, Phil Keoghan, TV presenter, New Zealand/ USA, Suzie Moncrieff, Artistic Director, Montana World of WearableArt Show, New Zealand, Tony Carreira, pop star, Portugal, Maria Cavaco Silva, First Lady, Portugal, Mário Laginha, pianist and composer, Portugal, Clay Walker, Multi-platinum recording artist, USA, USA: Teri Garr, actress/ comedienne, USA and David ‘Squiggy’ Lander, actor and author, USA.
Source: Multiple Sclerosis Society