The College Sports Information Directors of America is partnering with collegiate administrators and The V Foundation to support cancer research and the sixth annual celebration of National College Football Day on November 7. 

National College Football Day commemorates the first college football game played November 6, 1869, between Rutgers and Princeton.

CoSIDA joins the AT&T Cotton Bowl, the American Football Coaches Association, the National Association of Collegiate Football Officials, the Football Writers Association of America and the Athletic Equipment Managers Association to commemorate the annual birthday of college football while supporting the fight against cancer.

“We all know someone who has been affected by cancer,” said Justin Doherty, CoSIDA president. “Through our efforts in promoting and celebrating National College Football Day, we will serve two purposes, one of which is to raise awareness about the game’s history. The other is raising awareness and support for The V Foundation by reaching hundreds of thousands of student-athletes, coaches, campus and community personnel, and family and friends who follow collegiate football.”

Traditionally, individual members of the American Football Coaches Association have donated $1 for every year of football for cancer research. The 2009 season marks the 140th year. Many game officials also donate a portion of their game stipends, and the football writers have traditionally made a joint contribution. In addition, conference and university officials, along with friends and sponsors of the AT&T Cotton Bowl, have responded to a mailing that provides an annual collectible cloisonné pin to be worn to commemorate the day.

“The V Foundation is humbled to be embraced by the collegiate football community,” said Foundation CEO Nick Valvano. “The CoSIDA members honor us with their support and we look forward to a great 2009 National College Football Day campaign.”