National Football Foundation

Recognized as one of the longest standing groups in the fraternity of chapters for the National Football Foundation, the Essex County chapter has a history of promoting amateur football excellence to its twenty-eight area high schools. The chapter has attracted more than 50 members who allocate their time to educate and encourage local student-athletes to strive for high-reaching goals.

"If you're a fan of football, the chapter is a great way to not only promote the game but to get kids involved," said Ron Anello, the Essex County Chapter President. "The organization does so much, and the forty-dollar [membership] fee is money well spent."

While the chapter doesn't offer scholarship money to student-athletes, it provides exciting events for the athletes. Yogi Berra, a member of the Baseball Hall of Fame, and New York Giants Defensive End Michael Strahan have appeared at the chapter's Sports Nut Night where the chapter runs sports trivia contests and other sports-related games. The chapter also holds an annual Scholar-Athlete Banquet and runs a football clinic for coaches.

The Essex County chapter distributes an array of awards, among them: the Distinguished American Award, Contribution to Amateur Athletics Award and an official's and coach's award.