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Ottawa’s Paul Howard has been named the 2014 NFL Youth Coach of the Year.

The information technology professional has been recognized for his work with the South Ottawa Mustangs.

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The Mustangs are based in the Heron Gate neighbourhood which has been plagued by gang activity and is classified by the Ottawa Police guns and gangs unit as an ‘affected’ community. Howard has been instrumental in using football to help build hope and opportunity.

“Having grown up in this same low income community himself, Paul understands the challenges and barriers these young people face,” said Sara Dwyer, a resident of the community, in her nomination essay. “He believes so much in the benefits of being part of a football team, and the opportunity that football can provide. The confidence and discipline (that these players learn) translates to their lives at school, in the community and at home. We are grateful to have volunteers like Coach Paul who understand that it takes a village to raise a child, and who are ready to step up to be a part of that village.”