President: Mr. Eric Hamilton
Established: 1962
The Delaware Valley Chapter of the National Football Foundation is intimately involved in amateur football in the Central New Jersey area. Covering 5 counties, 37 high schools and 2 colleges, Delaware Valley is a visible presence throughout the year. Led by the dynamic Eric Hamilton, Head Football Coach at The College of New Jersey and a team of dedicated volunteers, the Del-Val chapter hosts no less than 7 different NFF programs and is a shining example of the NFF in action.
The annual Scholar-Athlete banquet is the premier event for the chapter. Held in March, last years dinner attracted over 450 football enthusiasts. Each one of the 37 high schools honors their top student-athlete along with top performers from the College of New Jersey and Princeton University. All 37 students, decked out in donated tuxedos, receive a scholarship for college with the top 3 winning $5,000, $3,500 and $2,500 respectively. Last year $38,000 in scholarships were distributed and since the banquets inception, well over $650,000 has been given to date. Other awards presented during the evening are the Distinguished American, Contribution to Amateur Athletics, Contribution to Youth Football, the Jack Millard Officials Award, the Hank Johns Coach of the Year Award, the Pop Warner Little Scholar Award, given to the top academic Pop Warner participant, and the Presidents Chapter Award, given to a member who went above and beyond in their service to the chapter. It is a truly spectacular event highlighting the areas best and brightest.
Other chapter events during the year further promote the Chapter and Foundation mission as well as generate funds for scholarships. Coming this June 30th, the Del-Val chapter will host the Sunshine Classic High School All-Star game which pits players from the 37 area schools in a much anticipated showcase. All proceeds from the game go to the Sunshine Foundation and chapter scholarships. In July, the chapter hosts the Bob Jaroni 7on7-passing league. Beginning in September, the 12th Man Touchdown Club honors the offensive and defensive players of the week with local media providing excellent coverage. In December, the chapter hosts a college recruiting night where students and their parents meet with college recruiters and admission representatives.
The 2011 scholar-athlete banquet will be held on March 13th at the Hyatt Regency in Princeton, NJ. Pictured are the 2010 scholar-athletes.
Website:
www.delvalfootballfoundation.com/
Phone:
609.771.2340
Email:
hamilton@tcnj.edu
