The Stamford Youth Foundation (SYF ) creates and operates
quality programs accessible to all of our City's children through its unique
ability to link resources, while seeking to inspire attributes that develop
sound character, build a connected community and motivate our youth to achieve
their personal best.
SYF was founded in May 2001 by Marc Lyons,
Greg Dempsey and a team of dedicated Stamford residents to develop new middle
school football and cheerleading programs.
Some SYF programs are school based. They have been developed
with strong cooperation and support of Stamford’s Board of Education,
Superintendent of Schools, Mayor, Youth Services Bureau, Police Department and
middle & elementary school administrations.
SYF programs are a response and solution to budget
constraints faced by the Stamford Board of Education, which, over the years,
have led to reduced extracurricular activities in our schools, particularly at
the middle school level. In SYF's brief history our programs have demonstrated
to contribute positively to student-athlete academic performance and school
morale.
Core goals of SYF are to develop programs that (i) bring
together students in our diverse neighborhoods to play together and work
towards common goals, and (ii) energize our students and develop in them habits
that promote confidence, commitment, a strong work ethic, and respect for others
& themselves.
SYF is a volunteer organization and receives no
direct financial assistance from the City of Stamford. It is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit corporation.
Programs are funded through participant fees, donations & grants, and other
fundraising efforts.