Participants

There are several ways that students can participate in the DFRC Blue-Gold All★Star Football experience. High school students are designated by their school officials to participate as Ambassadors, Band Members, Cheerleaders, and Football Players. All of these students are integral parts of the Blue-Gold Program and Game each year. Students attending high schools without varsity football teams may still participate as Ambassadors, Band Members, or Cheerleaders.

Many high schools have formed Blue-Gold Clubs, inviting their full student community to share some of the same experiences as those officially chosen to participate in the Game, regarding knowledge and understanding about people who are intellectually challenged. For more information about how to create a high school club, contact the DFRC office at (302) 454-2730 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Hand in Hand Buddies

The Hand-in-Hand Program is the very heart of DFRC’s Blue-Gold Program. One of its major goals is to spread awareness and promote a better understanding of the abilities of people who are intellectually challenged. Since 1974, high school participants have been offered the unique opportunity, through the Hand-in-Hand Program, to be paired with a child or young adult with an intellectual disABILITY, their “Buddy.” If you or your child has an intellectual disABILITY and is between the ages of 4 and 18, please call the DFRC office at 302-454-2730 or e-mail us for more information about how to enroll.

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Ambassadors

Initiated in 1994, the Ambassador Program was developed to bring greater awareness, leadership and activity into the high schools on behalf of DFRC. Two seniors and two juniors are selected by faculty, staff and administrative leadership from each Delaware high school. Selections are based upon character, leadership, sensitivity, and compassion for others. Ambassadors help spread DFRC’s message of diversity and acceptance throughout their schools and communities, along with hosting fundraisers for DFRC. Banners representing each high school are created by the Ambassadors and are displayed at Blue-Gold events and on Game Day.

Ambassadors will be directly involved in monthly events from January through June as part of the larger DFRC Blue-Gold All★Star Program. Senior Ambassadors are also encouraged to participate in the Hand-in-Hand Program where they will be matched with a child or young adult with an intellectual disABILITY.

If you are a high school student in your senior or junior year, and would like to be a Blue-Gold Ambassador, contact your school’s principal or Blue-Gold advisor, or call the DFRC office at (302) 454-2730.

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Band Members

One of the largest groups in the Blue-Gold Program is the DFRC Blue-Gold All★Star Football Marching Band. All high school band musicians and band front in grades 9 – 12 are encouraged to participate. Band members must have the recommendation of their band director/music department chair and school principal. There is no limit to the number of band members who may participate. A student’s school does not need to have a football team or a regular marching band in order for students to participate.

Senior band members are also encouraged to participate in the Hand-in-Hand Program where they will be matched with a child or young adult with an intellectual disABILITY.

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Cheerleaders

Senior cheerleaders are nominated by their school’s football cheerleading coach and principal to participate. If a school does not have a football program, cheerleaders from the general school squad may be nominated. Three cheerleaders may be nominated from each high school based upon their character, skill, school spirit and dedication.

Cheerleaders will be directly involved in monthly events from January through June as part of the larger DFRC Blue-Gold All★Star Program. Cheerleaders will also have regular Blue or Gold squad practices, typically starting in March. Cheerleaders are encouraged to participate in the Hand-in-Hand Program where they will be matched with a child or young adult with an intellectual disABILITY.

If you would like to represent your school as a DFRC Blue-Gold All★Star Football Game Cheerleader, please check with your school's football cheerleading coach or principal for information and pertinent dates for being accepted into the program. You may also contact the DFRC office directly at (302) 454-2730.

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Football Players

Players are nominated by their own high school Head Football Coach, and then approved by their school's Athletic Director and Principal through a character verification process. All-State or All-Conference athletes are not automatically selected to play in the Blue-Gold Game. All players nominated must meet Blue-Gold character standards. The Blue and Gold Head Coaches, selected by The Delaware Interscholastic Football Coaches Association (DIFCA), then select team players to play in the Game from the nominees submitted.

Thirty-six players are selected for each team. The Blue Team consists of players from most high schools in New Castle County. The Gold Team is comprised of players from all high schools in Kent and Sussex counties, as well as the Christina and Appoquinimink District high schools. Each high school with a Delaware Interscholastic Athletic Association sanctioned football team that has qualified seniors will have at least one representative on a Blue-Gold squad each year, however no school may have more than four representatives in a single year.

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