The former president of a long-standing youth football league has been accused of stealing thousands from his own players and their families.

The New Rochelle Youth Tackle League has been around since the late 1950s, giving young athletes a chance to learn the fundamentals of the game. But now their ex-president is under fire for allegedly embezzling thousands of dollars.

According to the Westchester district attorney, Lawrence Alston was arraigned Thursday in New Rochelle City Court for allegedly taking $20,000 from the football league for personal use.

According to the DA, the funds were taken between January 23 and June 13 of this year. The issue came to light when Key Bank notified the league that their account was overdrawn.

According to Concordia College, Alston is very involved with the community, acting as a traveling minister as St. Catherine's Church.

News 12 reached out to the league, but wasn't able to speak to anyone for comment.

Alston is expected to return to court Sept. 26.