In June of 2000, the Pennsylvania Scholastic Football Coaches Association PSFCA) contacted the Allegheny Mountains Convention and Visitors Bureau (AMCVB) about developing a new all star football game that would showcase Pennsylvania graduating high school football talent with national exposure. The AMCVB embraced the idea of owning a new sporting event and welcomed the challenge. And what a challenge it was -- in addition to building a new convention center during the same time.
The AMCVB, along with a strong team of representatives from the Altoona Area School District, Hollidaysburg Area School District, sponsors, local media, local football coaches and athletic directors spent the next twelve months preparing for the first game. Each year, game week activities have grown to now include two evenings at Del Grosso’s Amusement Park, the First National Golf Classic at Scotch Valley Country Club, visits to a veterans’ home and hospital, and this year will include the first annual youth football clininc.
The 2007 East West squads take the total game alumni to 472 players and 76 coaches. All alumni are eligible to apply for scholarships each year they are in school. Scholarship applications are mailed to the alumni’s homes November of each year and awarded at the annual East West All Star Banquet the night before the next game. As of this year, $32,000 have been awarded to former players in this game.
Plans are already underway for the 2008 game and special events. Sponsorships are available on many levels including in-kind donations. If you would like to become involved with the PSFCA East West All Star Game, please call the AMCVB staff at 800-842-8566.
