USA Football, the sport's national governing body and a member of the U.S. Olympic Committee, and the New England Patriots recently awarded grants for new equipment, uniforms and other resources to youth and scholastic football programs throughout the New England area.
In 2019, USA Football's equipment grant program will award over $1.5 million in resources to benefit young athletes based on need, merit and the organization's commitment to coaching education and best practices. Since 2006, USA Football's grant program has awarded more than $14 million in grants to youth and school-based football programs, which has directly benefited more than 500,000 youth and high school players across 9,500 programs in all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
Grants are valued at up to $1,000 apiece and provide resources from the following USA Football partners:
- Tackle football equipment from Riddell
- Flag football equipment
- Uniforms from Badger Sport
- Field and practice equipment from Tackle Tube, Shadowman Sports and Gilman Gear
- Background checks from Peopletrail
- Wearable technology from Catapult
USA Football's equipment grant program is made possible through the NFL Foundation. The NFL Foundation is the league's nonprofit organization representing its 32 clubs. Its mission is to support the health, safety and wellness of athletes, youth football and the communities which support the game. USA Football is the official youth football development partner of the NFL.
"In partnership with USA Football and our 32 clubs, the NFL Foundation is proud to deliver much-needed resources and equipment to youth football leagues and school-based football programs across the country," said Alexia Gallagher, Executive Director of the NFL Foundation. "These efforts help create an enhanced football-playing experience and ensure kids can enjoy the fun and fitness of the ultimate team sport."
"USA Football is pleased to work with the New England Patriots, the NFL Foundation and our partners to provide resources and equipment to help athletes across youth leagues and scholastic programs have an exceptional football experience," said USA Football CEO Scott Hallenbeck. "Through these grants, the football family is supported and elevated as we continue to work together to reimagine our game for the good of our young athletes who love to play it."
"The Kraft family and the New England Patriots Foundation have been strong supporters of youth football for more than 25 years," said Andre Tippett, Pro Football Hall of Famer and the Patriots Executive Director of Community Affairs. "We love the game of football and want to make sure we provide opportunities for youth across New England to play the sport. We are proud to team with USA Football and we thank them for their shared commitment to the safety and well-being of these young athletes."
New England-area youth and school-based school programs awarded a 2019 USA Football Grant
Aroostook Football Huskies, Presque Isle, ME
Bangor Junior Rams, Bangor, ME
Boston Raiders Youth Football & Cheer, Dorchester, MA
Brockton Junior Boxers Pop Warner, Brockton, MA
Brockton Raiders, Brockton, MA
Chelsea High School Athletics, Chelsea, MA
Chelsea Jr Red Devils Pop Warner, Chelsea, MA
Club Charlie Football, Providence, RI
Colchester Cougars Youth Football, Lebanon, CT
East Hartford Hornets Youth Football and Cheerleading, East Hartford, CT
Fairhaven Acushnet Youth Athletics, Fairhaven, MA
Holbrook Youth Flag Football, Holbrook, MA
Holyoke Youth Football Inc., Holyoke, MA
John Bapst Memorial High School, Bangor, ME
Lake Region Youth Football, Naples, ME
Lewiston Area Youth Football League, Lewiston, ME
Lynnfield Pioneer Youth Football & Cheer, Lynnfield, MA
Malden Cyclones, Malden, MA
Malden Public Schools: MHS Athletic Department, Malden, MA
Manchester East Cobras Football and Cheer, Manchester, NH
Mattapan Patriots, Boston, MA
New England Youth Tackle Football, Inc., Lynn, MA
New London County Youth Nightmare, Groton, CT
North Connecticut Flag Football League, Windsor, CT
Providence North End 49ers, Providence, RI
Roxbury Titans Pop Warner, Boston, MA
Saint John Valley Mustangs, Wallagrass, ME
Vernon Youth Football and Cheerleading, Vernon, CT
Wareham Tigers Athletic Association, Wareham, MA
Warwick Police Athletic League, Warwick, RI
Westfield Youth Football, Inc., Westfield, MA
Winslow Youth Football and Cheering, Winslow, ME
Woonsocket Redskins, Woonsocket, RI
About USA Football: USA Football designs and delivers premier educational, developmental and competitive programs to advance and grow the sport. As the sport's national governing body, member of the U.S. Olympic Committee and organizer of the U.S. National Team for international competition, USA Football partners with leaders in medicine, child advocacy and athletics to support positive football experiences for youth, high school and other amateur players.
About The NFL Foundation: The National Football League Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of those touched by the game of football – from players at all levels to communities across the country. The NFL Foundation represents the 32 NFL clubs and supports the health, safety and wellness of athletes, youth football, and the communities that support our game. For more information on The NFL Foundation, visit: www.NFLFoundation.org.
