Falls Church City Football Association Awards 2011 Player of the Year Scholarship

By: STEVEN VALLEY
Falls Church Times Staff

January 4, 2011

It was announced today with great pride that the winner of this year’s FCCFA Annual Youth Football Scholarship is George Mason High School Varsity Football player Stephen Lubnow.  Pictured here receiving the award from FCCFA President Brian Sulc, this year’s scholarship amount grew to $1,000.00.

“As this tradition continues and as the FCCFA grows it will definitely be a highlight of the season to award a former youth player this honor and it will most definitely go on to become an integral part of the football season and a motivator for GMHS players,” stated Tom Horn, Head Coach of the George Mason Varsity football team.

This scholarship, awarded to a current senior who previously played organized youth football, is in recognition of his exemplary performance in abiding by the Mustang Football principles of “Pursuing Victory with Honor,” and contributing to the mission of ensuring that the George Mason Football Program rests on a foundation of strong character. In keeping with Mustang Football’s proud tradition, the board of the FCCFA and the GMHS coaches felt that Stephen demonstrated exceptional enthusiasm, and a superb sense of individual pride, personal responsibility, tolerance, respect, integrity and discipline. Additionally, his devotion to Mustang Football will serve as a model for current youth football players who may be aspiring George Mason Mustangs. By striving to reach these high expectations for a student-athlete in the areas of character and sportsmanship, Stephen stood out as an ambassador for, and a model of, the “Six Pillars of Character,” (Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Caring and Citizenship).

Stephen’s previous Arlington Youth Football experience, his personal initiative, dedication and loyalty to George Mason High School his teammates and coaches reflect great credit upon him and is in keeping with the highest traditions of George Mason Football. “In addition to receiving the scholarship, Stephen is also honored with a perpetual plaque that will be on display in the trophy case at GMHS and it will list him and all of the future awardees,” said Brian Sulc, the FCCFA’s President. The FCCFA was created with the goals of promoting participation in youth football to the City of Falls Church and developing a community connection with George Mason High School Football.

It’s been a busy year for the FCCFA.  In addition to giving the scholarship, the Association also held its annual football summer camp for boys between the ages of 7 and 14.  Over 40 local youth players came and worked on developing their football skills during some of the areas hottest days this past summer.  The camp is hosted and run by GMHS coaching staff and FCCFA volunteers, and varsity and junior varsity players also helped to instruct the young athletes all the while giving back to the youth programs that helped them get their starts.  This year the FCCFA also marked what it hopes to be an ongoing tradition: a gift to support the JV and Varsity football teams.  This year, the FCCFA donated a practice clock to the GMHS athletics department, the clock which cost $1,000.00, will help the team to stay focused and scheduled during their practices.

We all wish Stephen good luck in his future academic studies and on the field if he plans to continue his football career at the college of his choice.

About the FCCFA: The FCCFA is a non-profit 501 c 3 organization.  The current officers are Brian Sulc, Steven Valley, Kevin Creed, and Dave Hagigh. The association was founded with the mandate to increase awareness of and participation with local youth football clubs, host an annual football summer camp for kids 7-14, and handout one-time scholarships to graduating senior players who exemplify the game. For more information about the association and to view information on the benefits of playing youth football go to: http://www.thefccfa.org

To become a member of the board or to volunteer at the camp contact The FCCFA directly at: info@thefccfa.org