Football scholarships – Football is one of the most played sports in the world, attracting millions of fans all across the globe. It is one of the top scholarship sports that offers students nearly $4 billion in financial aid.
With the highest number of such scholarship programs offering around $4 billion in funding, it is no surprise that competition is tight. However, applying for these scholarships should not be limited, especially with many opportunities.
Some basic information regarding the requirements, along with a list of top-notch scholarships for American football players, including submitting your CV to the school directly for consideration or online to fill out a form.
You could even try contacting coaches directly. But there is one thing that most people do not know about applying for college athletic scholarships: each university sets up its application process differently.
Some schools require specific documents, while others don’t care how much information you provide. There are some everyday things that every team looks for, though. For example, most programs look for resumes that include contact information, grades, test scores, awards, extracurricular activities, leadership positions, etc.
In addition, most teams want to see something written about why you want to play sports. They want to know why you love playing football/soccer/basketball/volleyball/etc. If you’re interested in getting a scholarship for American football, here are some of the Scholarships and their requirements.
Available Football Scholarships
Below are the available football scholarships you can apply for:
1. Footlocker Scholars Athlete Scholarship
The Foot Locker Scholars Athlete Program is among the most prestigious athletic scholarship programs in the United States. Founded in 1978, it has taken care of hundreds of athletes. This year, the Foot Locker Foundation awards $100,000 in college scholarships to over 20 high school seniors who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement and leadership in athletics and extracurricular activities.
Requirements
The Foot Locker Scholarship is open to full-time students enrolled in an accredited educational institution in the fall of 2021. Students must meet the following requirements:
- Applicants must be a citizen or legal resident alien of the United States
- Must have a GPA of 3.0 or above
- Must have demonstrated leadership and teamwork skills
- Applicants must have participated in football, basketball, baseball, soccer, track & field, cross country, tennis, golf, lacrosse, softball, volleyball, swimming, diving, wrestling, or other sports
- Must have demonstrated financial need
2. Walter Byers Graduate Scholarship
Michigan State University offers graduate students $5,000 yearly to cover tuition costs.
This award goes to current undergraduate students who plan to pursue a master’s degree in a field related to sports medicine.
3. NFF National Football Foundation
Over the last few years, the National Football Foundation (NFF) has awarded scholarships of up to $600,000 to over 1,200+ student-athletes with exceptional character, leadership, and citizenship qualities. Winners receive a whole ride to school, plus additional funding for books and supplies.
Students must maintain a 3.0 GPA and complete 30 hours of community service per semester. Recipients must also participate in a public speaking event during their final year of eligibility.
These scholarships help fund athletic training programs, equipment needs, and academic support.
4. NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship
This award covers up to $20,000 per year toward postgraduate studies. Applicants must be enrolled full-time in a four-year accredited institution of higher learning.
5. The NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS)
Commonly known as just “Division I,” it is the highest level of American collegiate football. There are five divisions within D1 – FCS (formerly called Divisions II & III), FBS, FCS/IAC (FCS Independent Athletic Conference), FBS/CUSA (Conference USA), and FBS/MAC (Mid-American Conference). In total, there are approximately 120 schools that compete at this level.
In addition to the major bowl games, many smaller colleges hold postseason tournaments that award additional cash prizes. For example, the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics sponsors the NAIA national basketball championship. The winners receive up to $50,000 in prize money.
6. The NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (DI-FCS)
It is commonly referred to as FCS football, the highest division of American collegiate football. The second tier of college football is considered the third tier of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).
This is the second level of the NCAA, formally known as DI-AA. There are ten (10) conferences, each with four divisions. Each conference champion plays against the other three conference champions in a playoff system to determine the national champion.
There are 126 teams in the DI-FCS; 63 men and 63 women. Of those 126 teams, there are 102 independent schools, 12 members of Conference USA, one member of the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association, one member of the Mountain West Conference, one member of the Pioneer Football League, one member of the Southland Conference, and one member of the Sun Belt Conference.
NAIA 92 schools play college football in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics.
They compete in Division I FCS — Football Championship Subdivision and are independent institutions. The NAIA is considered one of the four major collegiate athletic conferences. In addition to football, there are men’s basketball, women’s basketball, baseball, softball, volleyball, soccer, track & field, cross country, golf, and tennis.
Requirements
First-year students must have demonstrated a good Christian character; met two of the following three criteria:
- ACT score of 18 or better
- SAT score of 870 or better, and
- A GPA of 3.0 or better; display athletic ability; have obtained references from their current pastor or coach; be active in their church and community, and pursue a major related to athletics.
Summary
In conclusion, football scholarships are plenty. Interested applicants have a choice to make. However, due to competition, it is advised that one forwards more than one application. This will increase your chances of getting admitted.
