USA Football

The award recognizes those involved at the grassroots level and their efforts in celebrating the great sport of football. The winners represent 11 organizations from nine states, and their celebration events ranged from a parade and field dedications to scrimmages, clinics, and a pep rally. Each winner receives a cash award up to $1,000.

"Play Football Week was an opportunity to celebrate the great traditions of the gridiron, from Friday night lights to Monday Night Football," said USA Football Chairman Jack Kemp. "We're pleased to recognize all 11 award winners and others who helped make it a success."

During the award application process, representatives from the organizations described how they would utilize the cash award should they win. Proposed uses such as expanding their programs, replacing old equipment and jerseys, and offering their programs at a lower cost were given by the winning groups.

Upon hearing the exciting news of winning a cash award, each organization echoed a strong optimism about the future of their youth football programs and what that means for the youth of tomorrow.

"I am so excited for the program," said Judy Rubino, Vice President of the Naperville Pop Warner Cheer and Football League. The Naperville Titans hosted a spirit parade ending at their new fields where more than 400 fans celebrated the grand opening ceremony and collected funds to send to a fellow Pop Warner team in Florida that was a victim of Hurricane Charley.

Samose Mays, Athletic Director of the Boys and Girls Club of Bulloch County, was equally elated. "The kids will be very happy when they hear the news," he said. Mays intends to use the cash award to help his league continue to grow so youth in Statesboro, Georgia can have more after-school options.

Detroit Lions Head Coach Steve Mariucci applauded the Southfield Jayhawks from Southfield, Illinois for their outstanding efforts. "On behalf of the Detroit Lions, congratulations to everyone with the Southfield Jayhawks," he said. "In all my years of football beginning as a child in Iron Mountain, it has been obvious that the real love of football has its roots in leagues for kids in communities, big and small, all across the country. It takes volunteers of all sorts giving their time and love to the kids to make it happen."

The Southfield Jayhawks put together a carnival-style celebration that involved over 300 players, cheerleaders, parents, and fans. The day began with a flag football contest and continued with tackle football games, face painting, concession stands, balloon giveaways, cotton candy machines, and plenty of cheering.

"We were extremely pleased by the overwhelming response to Play Football Week in communities across the nation," said NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue. "We look forward to making Play Football Week an annual tradition and an important part of every football season."

"It was great to see fans, volunteers, players, and coaches celebrate the cohesive atmosphere football creates," said Gene Upshaw, NFL Players Association Executive Director. "Play Football Week demonstrates the excitement of youth football and displays the passion of the young people who make up the game's future."

PLAY FOOTBALL WEEK Best Celebration Award Winners:

Boys & Girls Club of Bulloch County
Statesboro, GA

Boys & Girls Club of Western Broome Family Center
Endicott, NY

Denver Broncos Boys & Girls Club
Georgetown, CO

Kearny Bulldogs Youth Football & Cheer
San Diego, CA

Naperville Pop Warner Cheer & Football League
Naperville, IL

Naples Gators Youth Football-Cheerleading League
Naples, FL

Parkview YMCA Flag Football
Fort Wayne, IN

Randolph-Macon Academy
Front Royal, VA

San Diego Youth Football & Cheer Conference
San Diego, CA

Southfield Jayhawks, Suburban Youth Football Conference
Southfield, MI

Western NY Youth Tackle Football Federation
Buffalo, NY

For photos and video from PLAY FOOTBALL WEEK celebrations, click here.