american youth football
Founded in 1996, American Youth Football (AYF) is an international organization dedicated to fostering the growth and development of young athletes through their participation in football and cheerleading. With a strong emphasis on safety, sportsmanship, and competitive balance, AYF ensures that every player has the opportunity to learn and grow in a supportive environment.
At its core, AYF is committed to giving back to the community. By providing positive role models and encouraging teamwork, responsibility, and academic achievement, AYF helps young athletes develop confidence and leadership skills that extend beyond the field—into their schools, families, and communities.
Through football and cheerleading, AYF instills values like sportsmanship, honesty, and discipline, preparing young athletes to face the future with integrity and ambition. By teaching the importance of playing by the rules, we help shape athletes who will live by them.
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Teach the fundamentals of football and cheerleading while organizing structured activities for young athletes.
Provide communities without school-based programs with a responsible and inclusive football and cheerleading league.
Promote good sportsmanship, teamwork, integrity, and the importance of academic success.
Support teams, associations, and conferences while respecting local autonomy and decision-making.
Ensure youth football and cheerleading are all-inclusive, welcoming participants regardless of weight, financial status, or athletic ability.
Offer programs for special needs athletes, at-risk youth, anti-gang initiatives, and the international football community.
Be the most user-friendly youth sports organization by minimizing administrative burdens and supporting volunteers.
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AYF and its members believe that every child deserves equal opportunities, support, and respect. No matter their background or financial circumstances, every athlete is welcome in AYF.
We also believe in empowering local communities. AYF provides a framework for high standards while allowing local organizations the flexibility to set bylaws that fit their unique needs—taking into account competitive goals, climate, school schedules, field availability, and liability considerations. This balance ensures that each program operates in the best interest of its players, parents, coaches, and community.
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AYF participants are eligible between the ages of 5-18.
Now, thanks to AYC, participants can cheer up to the age of 16.
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Mission:
Put AYF/AYC student athletes on the path to sustained academic achievement in high school and post-secondary education (e.g., college/trade school/skill-based)
Objectives:
Recognize academic and extra-curricular achievement
Provide scholarships, certificates, and public recognition
Encourage conferences and associations to pursue their own local programs
Award Categories (grade average based on prior academic year)
Platinum: Academic All-American (Above 100%)
Gold: Academic All-Americans (96% to 100%)
Silver: Academic All-Stars (90% to 95%)
Bronze: Scholar Athletes (80% to 89%)
AAA recipients are chosen on the basis of ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT, EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES, AND HONORS/AWARDS FROM THE PRIOR ACADEMIC YEAR (2023-2024). Examples of extracurricular activities:
Religious Leadership roles
Charity Work
Community clean-up projects
Recycling Programs
Youth Programs (i.e., Boys & Girls Club)
80% or a 3.2 GPA is the minimum
2024 Recognition
One $500 Scholarship to Top Academic Achiever in honor of Carl Allegretti -- National staff selection
Two $500 Scholarships per Region (1 football/1 cheer) for top academic performers – Regional staff selection
Scholarship $$ held by AYF until student is enrolled in post-secondary school (college, university, or trade school)
Social Media recognition and certificates for all awardees
More info to come regarding application links and due dates. Stay tuned for more info!
why ayf
NO Child turned away! –We will never turn away a child on the basis of weight, athleticism or finances. Our goal is to grant every child the opportunity to participate in youth football or cheerleading.
NO TRYOUTS! –American Youth Football programs have no tryouts or cutting of rosters.
Mandatory Play Requirements – Everyone participates under mandatory rules of play, so every child is guaranteed to play.
Age Based – Your child will play against kids his own age. He will never be forced to “play up” against kids 2-3 older than him, or be expected to lose weight in order to participate. Age-based football has been shown to be the safest approach to youth football.
Programs in all 50 States! – American Youth Football is the largest and fastest growing youth organization in America. AYF has over 830,000 youth participants and 180,000 adult volunteers in all 50 states and internationally. AYF has an extremely strong presence in New England as more and more Massachusetts-based organizations make a move from “the other guys” over to American Youth Football.
More than just athletes! – American Youth Football requires its participants to perform adequately in the classroom before permitting them to play.
Background Checks – American Youth Football programs nationwide are required to annually conduct a background check of Coaches, Board of Directors members and any other persons, volunteers or hired workers, who provide regular service to the association and/or have repetitive access to, or contact with, players and/or spirit participants. The purpose of these background checks is, first and foremost, to protect the children.
Coaching Education Programs –The safety of our athletes is always the top priority. AYF coaches are required to complete certifications through ASEP and the CDC.
Coaches and Adult Codes of Conduct – All coaches, football and cheer participants must abide by a Code of Conduct which includes several provisions. If any of these rules are broken, the association and conference will impose a penalty.
We surround ourselves with the best – American Youth Football is proud to have numerous outstanding sponsors, licensees, fundraiser’s and partners who offer several amazing opportunities to our programs.
safety first
At American Youth Football, we prioritize safety above all else when it comes to your child’s participation. Through comprehensive background checks, concussion awareness programs, and ongoing education, we are committed to maintaining the highest safety standards. Our "Safety First" risk management approach ensures a professional, secure, and supportive environment where young athletes can thrive with confidence.
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Multiple studies conducted by the Mayo Clinic and USA Football have shown that the biggest risk factor in youth football isn’t weight, but age. The AYF All-American Division allows kids of the same age, regardless of size, to play on the same team and against opponents of the same age.
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There is no quick fix for the concussion issue—it is a concern at every level of play. To protect the well-being of young athletes, AYF remains committed to proper coaching, athlete education, and fostering a culture of sportsmanship.
Mandatory Coach Training:
All AYF coaches must complete the CDC Heads Up Online Concussion Training.
A certificate of completion and successful test score must be kept in the team book.
If a coach completes additional concussion education courses, documentation of completion and test results must also be recorded in the team book.
By prioritizing education and awareness, AYF ensures that all athletes play in the safest environment possible.
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To ensure the safety and well-being of all participants, all volunteers, coaches, administrators, and team moms must undergo comprehensive background checks annually. This strict screening process helps maintain a secure, trustworthy, and positive environment for young athletes to grow and thrive.