National Football Foundation

Linda LaBerge has been active in the Vermont football community since 1967 when she and her husband, Rene, founded the local youth football program, which they still oversee today. The South Burlington Dolphins Youth Football program serves grades 1– 8, playing a powerful role in the success of the local high school program. The Dolphins established the PRIDE Award, which is presented to the top high school player in the state at the annual NFF Vermont Scholar-Athlete banquet.
 
Since joining the NFF Vermont Chapter in 1995, LaBerge has been integral in the growth of the annual scholar-athlete awards dinner, which now honors 15 high school and four collegiate scholar-athletes each year. In addition, the chapter provides scholarships and grants to start-up and youth football programs throughout the state. LaBerge also produces video and PowerPoint presentations for the banquet, and designs marketing pieces for the chapter. Funds for Vermont’s programs are raised at the chapter’s annual North-South All-Star game held each fall at Middlebury College.
 
“I joined the NFF Vermont Chapter to support the game of football and to recognize youth football as a foundation for high school football and beyond,” said LaBerge. “I have watched thousands of young men and women go through our youth program over the past 46 years, and many have had their lives improved by their participation, guidance of their coaches and support of their team peers.”
 
A retired administrative assistant, LaBerge resides in South Burlington and loves digital photography. She remains active with the South Burlington Dolphins Youth Football program.