New York, NY - In its continuing effort to lead the way in youth athletics and scholastic achievement, Wagner College and American Youth Football (AYF) have partnered with  to help promote the ultimate academic goal and destination for young athletes - college.
 
AYF, the largest youth football and cheer organization in the world, will collaborate with Wagner College to help local AYF teams experience the excitement of attending college football games.  AYF athletes under 14-years old will be invited to not only support the Seahawks from the stands but also meet members of the Wagner Seahawk football team. The aim is to provide role models, affording youths a chance to view one day attending college as something to work hard for and as a realistic, tangible goal.
 
 “This collaboration is not only inspirational for AYF kids but also reinforces to Wagner's student-athletes that there are young people who look up to them and view them as role models,” said Whitney Jones, Marketing Coordinator/Ticket Manager for the Wagner College Athletic Department.
 
“The mission for this partnership is for it to be beneficial for youths in terms of opening their eyes to a potential college education,” Jones added. “At the same time, it reminds Wagner's student-athletes of their importance in the community and how they need to continue to focus and work hard on their academic and athletic pursuits.”
 
AYF is thrilled to be a vehicle to inspire young kids.
 
“Our ultimate reward is enabling young kids with a sense of self-worth, discipline and confidence that they can extend beyond the gridiron and into school, family and the community,” said Arielle Krieger, Director of Marketing for American Youth Football. “Working with Wagner College will inspire our kids to crave the next level of education.”
 
 (AYF) is an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation that provides support services, scholarships, grants, giving back programs and tournaments to over 850,000 youth members in 50 states and several countries worldwide. AYF is committed to giving back and since its inception in 1996, 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.
 
The late New York Giants Owner, Wellington Mara, played a pivotal role in the development of AYF, and a former New York Giants Assistant Football Coach, Joe Galat, is the organization's Founder and President. For more information, visit the website at www.americanyouthfootball.com.
 
 For any AYF inquiries, contact Elizabeth Bray at ebray@americanyouthfootball.com. To reach Wagner's Whitney Jones regarding further information on the AYF/Wagner partnership or for ticket information regarding Seahawk home football games, you may send her an email at whitney.jones@wagner.edu or call 718-420-4039.
 
2012 Wagner Home Football Schedule
 
Day      Date                            Opponent
Sat.      September 15           Monmouth                  1:00 pm
Sat.      September 29           Bryant                          1:00 pm                                                          
Sat.      October 27                 Robert Morris             1:00 pm
Sat.      November 10            Holy Cross                  1:00 pm
Sat.      November 17            Duquesne                   1:00 pm