Local football prospects should take notice: Fordham will soon be offering scholarships.

The school made the announcement today that it will give out full rides beginning for incoming 2010 freshman. It’s the first time the school has awarded athletic scholarships since 1954.

Fordham University president Father Joseph F. McShane called the announcement “momentous.”

“This is a sea change for Fordham athletics: these scholarships will allow more students to participate in Fordham football, and will make the team much more competitive both in Patriot League and non-league games,” McShane said.

Fordham will remain in the Patriot League as an associate member since the conference does not offer athletic scholarships. In 2010, it will no longer be eligible for a Patriot League championship. It will still be eligible for the NCAAs. There will be 60 scholarships, which enables it to schedule non-conference games against Division I-A schools. It’s already scheduled to play UConn in 2011, Navy and Villanova in 2012, and Army in 2014 and 2015.

“This is a great day for Fordham football,” Fordham head coach Tom Masella said.  ”Being able to award scholarships based on athletic abil ity will greatly increase the pool of student-athletes that we are able to recruit.”

New York City has been devoid of any true football presence for years outside of Hofstra. This instantly makes Fordham an attractive option for local recruits who wouldn’t qualify for academic or need-based scholarships.