Welcome to the Gladiator Foundation Website

The Gladiator Football Alumni Foundation was created from the shared vision of Clarke Central Coaches Leroy Ryals and John Ward, with the goal of encouraging community involvement in the continuing mission of providing players the support that they need while developing the skills to succeed in life.

The Gladiator Foundation seeks to instill in all players, past and present, the time honored traditions of excellence in athletics and achievement at Clarke Central High School - both on and off of the field of play.

Through their participation in the rigors of the football program, each player has learned about the adversities of life, the advantages of team work, and the value of being a citizen in our community. In recognizing that our victories and life lessons have always been shared with others in the Clarke Central family, such as cheerleaders, band members, and the traditional ‘12th Man’, we conversely invite all Gladiators to join us in our mission. Most notably, The Clarke Central Touchdown Club, comprised mostly of the dedicated parents of current players, does an excellent job in actively supporting the program. The Gladiator Foundation, as a similar organization seeks to join The Touchdown Club in support for the program.

Since we began in the fall of 2008, The Gladiator Foundation has accomplished significant milestones. One of the largest is when we hosted Coach Billy Henderson Day on September 11, 2009, at which we celebrated all that Coach Henderson and his late wife, Mrs Fosky, have contributed to our community. The event culminated with over 200 former Gladiator players joining Coach Henderson during an on-the- field ceremony. Additionally, The Gladiator Foundation has raised over $3,000 for the program, through donations and fundraising events. All of this money went toward items such as football equipment and to pay expenses such as the rental fee for practicing at UGA’s artificial turf field while preparing for the 2009 State Championship Game. Furthermore, The Gladiator Foundation has achieved charity status, receiving its 501 (c)(3) status by the IRS. More recently, the Gladiator Foundation has begun reaching out to players, in a mentoring capacity.

Please join us in helping to support our Clarke Central Gladiators by attending games, making a donation, and also signing up to become a mentor. Thank you and Go Glads!

Non-Profit Corporation and 501(c)(3) Organization In addition to being organized as a Non-Profit Corporation in the State of Georgia, The Gladiator Football Alumni Foundation was recently awarded status as a 501(c)(3) organization by the IRS, so that any donations are fully tax deductable.

State of Georgia Entity Control Number: 10006645