The American Youth Football of Samoa (AYFS) league has received a donation of football equipment donated by the non-profit Big John Manumaleuna Foundation via the Rancho Bernardo Pop Warner football organization of San Diego, Calif.

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(Left to right) American Youth Football Samoa coach Patrick Maulolo, AYFS President Shiloh Pritchard, Department of Education Athletic Director Tumua Matu’u and DOE Head Official Valusia Talataina pictured yesterday at the DOE Athletics Office. DOE presented AYFS with a donation of football equipment that was sent to American Samoa from the non-profit Big John Manumaleuna Foundation via the Rancho Bernardo Pop Warner football organization of San Diego, Calif. [photo: Jeff Hayner

The non-profit Big John Manumaleuna Foundation along with the Sua Paia family of California, got the ball rolling on this project.

The equipment was sent to the DOE, but when it arrived, and received by DOE Athletic Director Tumua Matu’u, it was found that the equipment was made for younger, smaller athletes.

DOE then decided to donate it to the AYFS, the local equivalent of Pop Warner football played in the US.

“The equipment was not specifically for the DOE, but for the improvement of football overall, but this equipment just happened to be of smaller size, so it was donated to the AYFS,” said Matu’u. “This Big John Manumaleuna foundation was started by Frank Manumaleuna, in memory of John, because he did a lot for the youth.”

Frank Manumaleuna’s son, Marcus Manumaleuna plays for the San Diego Chargers.

“I just want to thank the DOE and Athletic Director Matu’u for the equipment, and because of their support, we were able to have more teams in the AYFS, and there is still time for the kids to join the AYFS, so come on out,” said AYFS President Shiloh Pritchard.

According to www.uedgesports.com/thebigjohnfoundation, The Big John Manumaleuna Foundation seeks to use the unique perspective of Samoan and Polynesian cultures to promote education and a healthy lifestyle through sports.

It was the Foundation that had the donation sent to American Samoa through the Bernardo Pop Warner football organization of San Diego.

The Big John Manumaleuna Foundation was started by John’s brother Frank Manumaleuna along with Frank’s aunt Jinette Hunter.

The Foundation gathered the equipment and had it sent to American Samoa, to help in the overall development of football in the territory.

The Foundation is committed to running unique sports camps aimed at helping high risk youth break the cycle of poverty and strive for higher education.

Through volunteers, coaches, current and past NFL players, the Foundation seeks to educate parents and kids alike on things like SATs, ACTs, scholarships, grades and the importance of higher education.

The Foundation has chosen Las Vegas, San Francisco, Seattle, Los Angeles, Hawaii, and Samoa for its 2008 camps. These locations were chosen because they have a large Polynesian culture.

Practice for AYFS begins Nov. 1. Ten squads are competing in the league in its second season.

For more information on the AYFS, call 770-AYFS, or 699-5156.

To learn more about The Big John Manumaleuna Foundation, go to: bigjohnfoundation.com.

Originally posted August 4, 2010 on Samoanews.com