National Football Foundation

The Delaware Valley Chapter of the National Football Foundation is intimately involved in amateur football in the Central New Jersey area. Covering five counties, 37 high schools and two colleges, Delaware Valley is a visible presence in football throughout the year. Led by 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 seven 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, the dinner attracts over 450 football enthusiasts. Each one of the 37 high schools honors its top student-athlete along with top performer 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 three winning $5,000, $3,500 and $2,500, respectively. 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 service to the chapter.

Other chapter events during the year further promote the chapter and foundation mission as well as generate funds for scholarships. The Del-Val chapter hosts 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 7-on-7 passing league. Beginning in Sept., 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.