BOOSTER U WORKSHOP SCHEDULE TO EXPAND TO ACCOMMODATE GROWING DEMAND

August 3 , 2009– In keeping with the theme of providing the industries strongest platform of guidance, education, training and support NABCA has announced plans for expansion and change with its Booster U workshops. Booster U workshops offer the industries only educational training platform for booster clubs, school officials and their directors and have played a vital role in helping parent groups from coast to coast to overcome obstacles, rise above challenges and to become more efficient, organized and productive assets to the schools and programs they support.

This years Booster U workshops will kick back into high gear 4th quarter 2009, a change from past years in that the Booster U workshop schedule has traditionally coincided with the start of the school year. The change is due in large part to the move to position a multi-workshop format in selected markets. In addition to the multi-workshop enhancement the workshop curriculum is being expanded to provide a much deeper level of training for both booster club and school officials.

With the expanded workshop format Booster U will become a four-part, mini training camp (workshop) designed by industry and booster club leaders - for booster clubs! Booster Clubs will see an expanded curriculum providing enhanced leadership training in the areas of organizational structure and compliance, fundraising, club policies and guidelines, sportsmanship and parent support, and focus on implementation of club building tools and resources helpful in building strong and successful booster clubs. A brand new segment has been added that is dedicated to school officials and program directors who oversee booster clubs and will provide design and process focusing on booster club compliance and parent cooperation.

Booster Club and school officials interested in attending Booster U workshops are encouraged to register their interest.

NABCA KICKS OFF MARCH ENROLLMENT CAMPAIGN AND OFFERS MEMBERSHIP DUES AT 1999 RATES

KENNEWICK, WA, March 2, 2009– NABCA has launched its annual booster club membership drive and in order to assist a larger number of booster clubs who have been experiencing a financial pinch due to the downturn in the economy we have rolled back our membership dues to pre-1999 rates.

All booster clubs and extracurricular programs can enroll and renew now for a limited time at $95. This is a $300 savings from our current membership rates. In addition to the discounted membership dues, NABCA is also providing each booster club with a complementary $300 gas and $300 grocery voucher, which can be given away to a club member, coach, program director or a special volunteer who has tirelessly donated their time over the past few months in support of the group. This years goal is a new membership enrollment of 5,000 new booster club members during the membership drive.

To enroll or renew your booster club today click here and take advantage of the current membership drive discounts and benefits.

NABCA LAUNCHES ONLINE PORTAL TO PROVIDE BOOSTER CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS WITH AN ONLINE FUNDRAISING SOLUTION

January, 12, 2009– In an effort to help booster clubs take advantage of the growing fundraising trend of online donations, NABCA launched HelpFundOurCause, an online fundraising portal designed to help the growing number of youth organizations facing critical cutbacks. Today the system is helping organizations and causes supporting all types of initiatives to raise thousands of dollars without the typical challenges facing many traditional fundraising programs.

Groups can raise thousands of dollars with absolutely - No selling, No investment or deposits, No risk, and, absolutely no products to hand out or deliver. With the HelpFundOurCause system fundraising is as easy as 1, 2, 3!

Trends show that online fundraising programs that incorporate a viral marketing component such as the one incorporated into the HelpFundOurCause program can help groups to raise on average 47% more than the typical fundraising programs.

The HelpFundOurCause program is an ideal complement to any traditional fundraising program and can open the doors to additional support from outside of a groups base market.

FLAGS FOR FALLEN MILITARY AND THE NORTH AMERICAN BOOSTER CLUB ASSOCIATION JOIN FORCES TO EXPAND PROGRAM NATIONALLY

EDEN PRAIRIE, MN., October, 21, 2008 – As proponents of supporting our men and women serving overseas, the North American Booster Club Association (NABCA) and Flags For Fallen Military (www.flagsforfallenmilitary.com) have joined forces to expand the programs push to honor our fallen soldiers throughout the United States and Canada.

The Program
The idea and development of the program was to honor our fallen soldiers by providing families the option of placing an American or Canadian flag in honor of their son or daughters sacrifice. The entire program has focused its support on Minnesota and David C. Larson is its founder and President. To date over twenty five (25) families have received a flag from the program. To date the sixty (60) plus Minnesota families whose heroes have perished have received the formal flag offering letter. This is the only contact with the families; it is up to the family to contact the program if they wish for a flag and pole in memory of their lost son, daughter or family member. The placement of the flag pole, size and timing are determined by the families.

National Expansion
“The opportunity to help play a role in expanding such a worthwhile program is something that brings a great deal of honor to the NABCA organization,” said Steve Beden, President of the North American Booster Club Association. “Our nations have been touched deeply by the loss of many who have given the ultimate sacrifice and we are proud to be able to help be a part of expanding the program”.

We envision helping a family, business or individual (herein referred to as the “team”) with the development of this program in the remaining 50 states, and any other country willing to support those soldiers who have fought and fallen fighting for freedom.

We would encourage the “team” to be of all Faiths, allowing them to show their respect for their fallen hero who fell for their freedom and to add closure to the many families throughout the world, showing solidarity in the fight we all share for freedom.

Flags for Fallen Military
Flags for Fallen Military was formed in the summer of 2006. The idea and development of the program was to honor our fallen soldiers by providing families the option of placing an American or Canadian flag in honor of their son or daughter’s sacrifice.

While David did not serve in the military, he was raised in a military family and felt compelled to do something, so the dream was penciled out. Several wonderful suppliers and donors have made this dream come true.

The entire program was developed and initially operated and run solely by the Larson family. David C. Larson serves at the founder and President. Over, twenty-five (25) families have received a flag from the program. The rewards of running this program are endless; the Larson’s and now, other volunteers have met and continue to meet wonderful people and families.

For more information, please contact David Larson at 888-616-3420 or dlarson@ltdteam.com.

NABCA AND SAM'S CLUB JOIN TOGETHER TO BRING CONCESSIONS BEST PRACTICES TO BOOSTER CLUBS NATIONALLY

KENNEWICK, WA., September, 9, 2008 – The North American Booster Club Association is proud to welcome Sam's Club as an association member and partner in helping to bring concession best practices to booster clubs and youth organizations nationally.

The two organizations have joined together to provide training tips and pointers on how to efficiently run concession stands. Sam's Club plans to distribute a co-branded concession flyer through its membership division, which will include NABCA's 7 tips to making your concession stand a hit. NABCA will lead a series of concession best practices workshops at Sam's Club locations around the country and will provide each attendee with the NABCA Concession Guide, a resource guide for running a profitable concession stand.

For many booster clubs concessions is the primary fundraising program that helps to carry them through the year, but very few have had any formal training or guidance on setup, pricing or even branding and product selection. " Whether you run a fully equipped concession building or a stand-alone table, your concession area shouldn't amount to just a "break-even" proposition. When done right, a concession stand can help fund those new uniforms and equipment purchases vital to all programs," states NABCA president Steve Beden.

For more information or to receive the concession brochure and to check into attending a concession workshop near you visit your local Sam's Club or contact your local NABCA Club Advisor.

TEN STEPS TO SAFETY SERIES ANNOUNCED

Cherry Hill, NJ – August 15, 2008 – Under the guidance of its partner, Kidz-IDz, the North American Booster Club Association (NABCA) has added child safety awareness and education to its core mission.

NABCA is proud to unveil the first of many safety initiatives, the TEN STEPS TO SAFEY SERIES. This series will provide Booster Club members with lessons on Water Safety, Bicycle Safety, Traffic Safety, Outdoor Safety, School Safety, Fire Safety, Halloween Safety, Home Safety, Drug & Alcohol Safety, and finally, Stranger Safety. Steve Beden, Executive DirectOR of NABCA, explains that “the lessons that we have selected for the Ten Steps to Safety Series represent a broad range of issues that our children encounter on a daily basis. Empowering our children to act appropriately in everyday scenarios will go a long way toward promoting smart decision making techniques, and preventing mishaps.”

Beginning in August, each lesson will be provided to NABCA members in an email format, bi-weekly, with the series culminating in December. According to Michael Pouls, Founder of Kidz-IDz, “parents will be encouraged to review each lesson with their children, so that together, they may establish best practices that integrate with their own unique lifestyle and family guidelines.”

Under the guidance of their parents, children are invited to sketch & color a picture that illustrates what they learned after each TEN STEPS TO SAFETY LESSON. Pictures may be submitted to Kidz-IDz via email or mail, and if selected, will be posted on NABCA’s website for all to appreciate. Furthermore, one winning picture will be selected to receive a free Safetyville board game. Created by Michael Pouls at Kidz-IDz, Safetyville is a great way for families to spent time together while learning important safety lessons. What’s more, children get so absorbed in this competitive board game that they don't even realize they are learning how to stay safe in today's unsafe world.

The North American Booster Club Association (NABCA) (www.boosterclubs.org) is the governing body and first of its kind national booster club association dedicated to providing booster clubs and their extracurricular organizations throughout North America with the highest level of Guidance, Education, Training and Support.

Kidz-IDz, a leader in child safety, was founded in 2002 by child safety advocate, Michael Pouls. Six years thereafter, in early 2008, the Free ID Card Program for all Booster Club members was launched. Booster Club members simply log onto www.kidzidz.com/nabca to get their free Child Photo ID & Medical Emergency Card with bonus Electronic ID (nominal s&h). The ID Card may be shown to helpful bystanders to help locate a lost child who has wandered from their parents or group, or it may be provided to medical personnel in the event of a medical emergency. Meanwhile, the Electronic ID includes personalized files that parents may update & store in the privacy of their home computer, which may be passed along, electronically, to law enforcement agencies and missing children agencies. For more information, please contact Michael Pouls or Mindy Hershorin at 610-520-1866.

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THE NATIONAL ATHLETIC TRAINERS’ ASSOCIATION AND NORTH AMERICAN BOOSTER CLUB ASSOCIATION ANNOUNCE PARTNERSHIP

Underscoring commitment to secondary school sport injury prevention
and treatment, the two organizations have developed a
Sports Safety Checklist for parents and coaches

ST. LOUIS, MO., June 18, 2008 – To underscore their commitment to secondary school sports injury prevention and treatment, the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) and the North American Booster Club Association (NABCA) today announced a partnership at NATA’s annual meeting in St. Louis. As a first step in this partnership, NATA member Kira Au, MS, ATC, head athletic trainer at Bishop Amat Memorial High School in La Puente, Calif., will become the first athletic trainer appointed to the NABCA national advisory board. The associations also introduced a sports safety checklist as a guide for parents, coaches, administrators, athletic trainers and other health care professionals, to ensure safe and healthy play.

“We are excited to partner with NABCA to educate parents and coaches on how to help high school athletes avoid common sports-related injuries,” said NATA President Chuck Kimmel, ATC. “After all, the safety of young athletes is a top priority for certified athletic trainers who specialize in the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of injuries.”

“Teaming up with NATA is a natural fit for our organization, and we’re pleased to welcome Kira Au to our national advisory board,” said Steve Beden, President and CEO of NABCA. “We look forward to working with NATA on ongoing projects to reduce the number of injuries among children playing sports in the U.S.”

Sports Safety Checklist

Following are highlights of the NATA and NABCA sports safety guidelines. An electronic version of the entire checklist is available at www.nata.org and www.boosterclubs.org

1. Coaches should develop a written emergency action plan to prepare for possible sport-related injuries.
2. If there is no certified athletic trainer on staff, coaches, parents and officials should be trained in first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and use of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs).
3. Make sure that athletes have their own water bottles and stay well hydrated.
4. Develop educational programs for parents and athletes regarding conditioning, strength training, hydration, nutrition, injury prevention and care, rules and fundamentals of the sport.
5. Plan a mock emergency to practice execution of the emergency action plan.
6. Determine what to include in a first aid kit for specific sports.
7. On a regular basis, perform a safety check of the facility.
8. Develop a sports/parent “code of conduct” and always show good sportsmanship.
9. Understand the fundamentals and rules of the sport, and be supportive of your child and the coach.
10. Coaches should always arrange a pre-season meeting for parents outlining the school’s or league’s philosophies and safety procedures.

For more information, visit the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (www.nata.org)
and North American Booster Club Association (www.boosterclubs.org).

North American Booster Club Association (NABCA)
The North American Booster Club Association (NABCA) is the governing body and first of its kind national booster club association dedicated to providing booster clubs and their extracurricular organizations throughout North America with the highest level of guidance, education, training and support. NABCA supports the more than 1.3 million school, non-school, sports, music and arts based booster clubs who work to insure the continuation of extracurricular programs that provide life skills, build strong leaders and keep our kids in school, out of gangs and off drugs. Visit www.boosterclubs.org.

National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) – Health Care for Life & Sport
Athletic trainers are unique health care professionals who specialize in the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of injuries and illnesses. The National Athletic Trainers' Association represents and supports 30,000 members of the athletic training profession. NATA advocates for equal access to athletic trainers for patients and clients of all ages and supports H.R. 1846. Only 42 percent of high schools have access to athletic trainers. NATA members adhere to a code of ethics. Visit www.nata.org.

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“Kira brings a wealth of talent, passion and knowledge to the advisory board and will help to mold the support NABCA can provide to both parents of athletes and fellow sports organizations and associations,” said NABCA President Steve Beden. “Safety should always be considered a priority in sports, and the role NABCA plays in educating parents is ideal for insuring that this message rings loud and clear.”

“The opportunity to become a member of the NABCA national advisory board is both an honor and a privilege and I look forward to helping provide the association with the best leadership possible, just as I provide my athletes with the best quality health care possible. I understand the importance and benefit of having access to a Certified Athletic Trainer and I firmly believe that all secondary schools should seek to employ a Certified Athletic Trainer. The health and safety of athletes should be a top priority in all athletic programs.”

About NABCA
The North American Booster Club Association (NABCA) (www.boosterclubs.org) is the governing body and first of its kind national booster club association dedicated to providing booster clubs and their extracurricular organizations throughout North America with the highest level of Guidance, Education, Training and Support. NABCA supplies booster clubs with the most comprehensive portfolio of resources and club building tools available to help build and manage successful clubs. Booster Clubs are a key component to a successful extracurricular program as they provide funding, volunteer support, upkeep for facilities, fields and equipment, transportation and scholarships.

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March 28, 2008
Cherry Hill, NJ – As proponents of child safety, North American Booster Club Association (NABCA) and Kidz-IDz have joined forces to offer two unique products to help protect our nation’s youth from stranger abductions and unintentional injuries.

Free Child Photo ID Card
Every NABCA member is being provided with a free, hard plastic, Child Photo ID & Medical Emergency Card with Electronic ID. Because the ID Card includes valuable medical information in addition to important personal data, it not only helps reunite a lost or missing child with their loved ones or group, but also is helpful in the event of a medical emergency. Specifically, each fully customized ID Card is imprinted with:

• student’s color photo
• student’s first initial & last name
• student’s date of birth, height, & weight
• student’s eye color, hair color, & gender
• student’s medical conditions and allergy info
• emergency contact name with three phone numbers
• optional medical release section

In addition to the free Child Photo ID Card, each member also receives a free Electronic ID. An Electronic ID is recommended as the fastest solution for transferring key information in the event of a missing child episode or a medical emergency. It enables parents to store their child’s photo and descriptive details on their home computer, and includes other helpful files to help prevent and react to an emergency. The ID Card and Electronic ID are free; members contribute only a reduced shipping & handling fee.

According to Steve Beden, President of NABCA, “It’s nice to find something that can truly make a difference in the life of a child or a family and we believe that the Kidz-IDz Child Photo ID Cards can do just that. When we first reviewed the Kidz-IDz Child Photo ID Cards we realized that not only were they an invaluable tool when a child is lost or abducted, but we also recognized that the cards were of tremendous value for kids of all ages who attend camps and clinics or travel with school clubs and teams as the cards contain vital medical information such as allergies and medical conditions as well as serving as a medical release.”

Safetyville Board Game
New this year, NABCA and Kidz-IDz are introducing the Safetyville board game to all Booster Clubs. As stated on the product packaging, and evidenced by favorable product reviews, “Children get so absorbed in this competitive board game that they don't even realize they are learning how to stay safe in today's unsafe world!” Normally $20.00 + shipping, NABCA members may purchase Safetyville at a 20% discount. Additionally, NABCA members may participate in the Safetyville Fundraiser. By selling this board game to friends & family, Booster Clubs earn money while helping educate children about how to stay safe in their own environment.

According to Michael Pouls, founder of Kidz-IDz, “We are very excited to be working with NABCA, providing Booster Clubs across the country with not only an outstanding fundraising opportunity that raises money for their club, but also with the tools they need to keep safe in today’s increasingly dangerous world. The Safetyville board game, for example, helps children identify and therefore avoid potentially dangerous situations.”

The North American Booster Club Association (NABCA) (www.boosterclubs.org) is the governing body and first of its kind national booster club association dedicated to providing booster clubs and their extracurricular organizations throughout North America with the highest level of Guidance, Education, Training and Support.

Kidz-IDz is a leader in child safety. For more information, please contact Mindy Hershorin at 610-520-2012 or mhershorin@kidzidz.com.

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About NABCA
The North American Booster Club Association (NABCA) (www.boosterclubs.org) is the governing body and first of its kind national booster club association dedicated to providing booster clubs and their extracurricular organizations throughout North America with the highest level of Guidance, Education, Training and Support. NABCA supplies booster clubs with the most comprehensive portfolio of resources and club building tools available to help build and manage successful clubs. Booster Clubs are a key component to a successful extracurricular program as they provide funding, volunteer support, upkeep for facilities, fields and equipment, transportation and scholarships.

About The King and His Court
The King and His "Court"® (www.kingandhiscourt.org) is a traveling softball team that is to the world of baseball and softball what the Harlem Globetrotters are to basketball; only the Globetrotters have a full team, the Court makes due with four players in a nine-man game. In 1999 Sports Illustrated magazine ranked its top 20 favorite teams of the 20th Century based on “…how much fun they had playing the game – and how much fun we had watching them.” The King & His Court® ranked 8th, ahead of such fan favorites as the 1985 Super Bowl champs Chicago Bears (11th) and the 1955 World Series champs Brooklyn Dodgers (#19). In 62 years of playing conventional nine-and-ten-man teams while fielding just a pitcher, catcher, first baseman and shortstop, The King & His Court® has traveled more than 4,000,000 miles to win more than 10,000 of its more than 11,000 games before more than 20,000,000 spectators on six continents and in all 50 states.

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“This is an exciting opportunity to work with NABCA and its members to offer preventive heart screening programs that can help minimize the occurrence of Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) among students and athletes,” said Curtis Muldrew, CIO and Business Development Director of HeartScreen America. “Together we will provide education about SCA and heart screening services to communities nationwide, while creating valuable fundraising opportunities for local booster clubs.”

According to the Heart Rhythm Society, SCA claims over 14,000 young American lives each year. Many of the young people involved exhibited no prior symptoms and no one suspected there might be a problem with their hearts.

HeartScreen America offers a program which can help detect cardiac abnormalities leading to sudden cardiac arrest. Its screening program includes an electrocardiogram which is reviewed by a board-certified cardiologist. Additionally, screenings include a family and personal heart health questionnaire, blood pressure reading and BMI (body mass index) calculation. Results are then sent directly to the home so this information can be shared with the individual’s physician. Typically, this type of cardiac screening is not provided to children or covered by health insurance unless there are symptoms or a strong family history.

“Whenever kids begin activities, in summer camp or sports training for example, most people agree that a physical examination is appropriate. But a standard physical exam does not typically include an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) test for heart abnormalities,” says cardiologist Dr. Stephen Travers, Director of the Saints Medical Center Cardiac Rehabilitation Program in Lowell, MA and scientific advisor to HeartScreen America. “An ECG, simple and painless, can be quite effective in detecting many of the types of heart conditions that can lead to sudden cardiac arrest in youngsters and young athletes.”

HeartScreen America partners with local schools, boosters, and other community organizations to bring heart screenings to their areas. For more specific information about hosting a heart screening program in your area, please email service@HeartScreenAmerica.com, or call 866.722.8008 and ask to speak to a Program Coordinator. For more information about HeartScreen America, please visit www.HeartScreenAmerica.com.

About HeartScreen America
HeartScreen America is a large population, direct-to-consumer heart screening company which offers comprehensive heart screening programs that can identify the risks associated with cardiac abnormalities and heart disease. HeartScreen America’s affordable heart screening programs are a fraction of the cost for comparable services offered at outpatient facilities. HeartScreen America is screening hearts and saving lives. Additional information about HeartScreen America can be found at www.HeartScreenAmerica.com.

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October 12, 2007:
The North American Booster Club Association is proud to announce its support of the Major League Baseball's (MLB) Baseball Tomorrow Fund. The Baseball Tomorrow Fund (BTF) is a joint initiative between Major League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Players Association that was established in 1999 through a $10 million commitment by Major League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Players Association. During the 1999 World Series, Baseball Commissioner Allan H. (Bud) Selig, Players Association Executive Director Donald Fehr and the Baltimore Orioles' Cal Ripken Jr. were on hand to introduce this new grant program for youth baseball and softball.

The mission of BTF is to promote and enhance the growth of youth participation in baseball and softball throughout the world by funding programs, fields, coaches' training, and the purchase of uniforms and equipment to encourage and maintain youth participation in the game. Grants are designed to be sufficiently flexible to enable applicants to address needs unique to their communities. The funds are intended to finance a new program, expand or improve an existing program, undertake a new collaborative effort, or obtain facilities or equipment. BTF provides grants to non-profit and tax-exempt organizations in both rural and urban communities. BTF awards an average of 30 grants per year totaling more than $1.5 million. The average grant amount is $51,000. BTF is now funded annually by MLB and the Players Association.

It was NABCA's leadership role of helping to provide Guidance, Education, Training and Support to booster clubs and their extracurricular programs that brought about the relationship of helping bring exposure to the BTF initiative. We encourage youth softball and baseball groups to submit their interest for grant consideration by CLICKING HERE.