ORANGE COUNTY, NY — Feb. 19, 2026 — The Orange County Youth Football League (OCYFL) and the All State Game have announced a new partnership to identify and elevate the next wave of “Best In State” middle school football talent across Section IX in New York. Through a joint evaluation process led by the OCYFL Selection Committee and the All State Game Talent Review Panel, top athletes from each OCYFL team will be named Best In State and recognized across official All State Game platforms.
This partnership is designed to align with OCYFL’s long-standing mission: providing a safe, inclusive, and structured environment for youth development. OCYFL serves student-athletes ages 5–14 and operates with no tryouts or cuts based on ability, ensuring every registered athlete can participate and develop in a positive, sportsmanship-driven league culture.
Best In State Recognition + Official 2026 Roster Invitation
At the center of this partnership is a clear pipeline: Best In State selections are automatically invited to join the official 2026 NY All State Game rosters for 6th, 7th, and 8th grade athletes. The All State Game is a three-day summer showcase where the best in state train, compete, and face off under advanced coaching from top high school and select college coaches—culminating in Game Day on Day 3. (Roster invitation is optional for families to accept and participate.)
What Best In State Athletes Receive
Best In State honorees will be recognized with:
- A dedicated feature article highlighting story, achievements, and impact
- A custom social graphic (share-ready)
- A social-ready celebration spotlight video
A Coach-Led Standard with Safety at the Core
OCYFL and All State Game share a commitment to integrity, safety, and development. OCYFL’s emphasis on safety standards—including USA Football Heads Up Training for coaches—helps reinforce a strong foundation as athletes grow through the game.
“OCYFL is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and competitive environment where kids learn fundamentals, build character, and love the game. This partnership allows us to recognize athletes who represent those values—and gives selected Best In State athletes an exclusive invitation to train at the next level and to compete on the All State Game stage.”
— Gary Specht, President, OCYFL
“OCYFL sets a strong standard for youth development and sportsmanship. Best In State selections deserve a real platform—the 2026 NY All State Game rosters give those athletes a three-day experience with high-level coaching and a true Game Day stage.”
— Simon Clements, National Director, All State Game
About the All State Game
The All State Game is a coach-informed “Best In State” showcase where selected middle school athletes are developed and evaluated over three days by top high school and select college coaches. Days 1–2 feature combine-style evaluation and position-specific development in a high-intensity competitive environment, and Day 3 is Game Day—a full showcase matchup where athletes compete against other top talent and are recognized on-field as emerging Best In State players.
About Orange County Youth Football League (OCYFL)
OCYFL is a Section IX youth football and cheer organization serving athletes ages 5–14. Established in 1992 (and renamed OCYFL in 1997), the league provides a structured, development-focused environment that prioritizes safety, sportsmanship, and access—operating without tryouts or cuts based on ability.
