New York Football Gains Strength, and Launches All-Star Bowl Game

MELVILLE, N.Y. - Feb. 26, 2018 - PRLog -- New York football has always struggled nationally. Every year there are a handful of high school graduates from New York that go on to play at the highest level of the game, but there are other exceptional players and teams in the region that miss out on exposure and opportunities. There is a long-standing stigma that New York produces Lacrosse and Basketball players, not Football. Gerald Filardi and Benjamin Carey, the co-founders of LI Elite, Inc are making progress changing that. Both have been involved in numerous youth football organizations and have coached championship level teams; but it is their overall devotion to raise the level of New York football that stands out. Filardi is a former Pittsburgh Steeler and owns a financial services company. Carey owns an internet marketing company. Their non-profit has attracted sponsorship from big names like Northwell Health and was in the national spotlight this past December when they were crowned Big East All-American Bowl champions, an unprecedented feat by a Long Island team.

"I was a walk on at Penn State because of the pre-conceived notions and lack of resources available to New Yorkers. My goal is to be there for these kids who live for football and to help them" said Gerald Filardi.

Filardi who earned a full scholarship from Coach Paterno, started in 4 consecutive bowl games including the national championship, and is one of Penn State's all-time leading tacklers. After playing for the Pittsburgh Steelers he had stints with the Jets and Ravens.

Now the Melville based LI Elite, Inc has launched "New York City Elite Football" and will exhibit both programs in the first-ever LI vs. NYC all-star game. "The Liberty Challenge" will be held on June 14^th at Long Island University Post. A portion of proceeds from the event will be donated to the Boomer Esiason Foundation and the Wounded Warriors project.

"The country is so divided right now, and I am proud to be part of an organization that has done such a great job of bringing people together. It's very fitting that The Liberty Challenge falls on Flag Day", said Benjamin Carey.

Jamal Wright of the Harlem Jets, Rick Hernandez of the NYC Pioneer League, and Rahnold Thomas from Accenture, the prestigious management consulting firm, will have the responsibility of bringing together the football players and personalities of the five boroughs. They have decades of experience, and deep roots in New York City football.

"New York is not on the shortlist of places college recruiters want to visit. What these guys are doing to raise the level of football in New York is awesome, and I'm glad to be a part of it" said Andrew Cohen, CEO of Get Recruited.

About: LIE Elite, Inc is a non-profit charitable organization with 501c3 app. For more information or to become a sponsor please visit www.longislandelitefootball.com or www.newyorkcityelitefootball.com.