USA Football, the sport's national governing body in the United States, and the Minnesota Vikings recently awarded football equipment and uniform grants to youth and high school football programs throughout Minnesota based on merit and need.
USA Football partners with the Vikings and all NFL clubs to annually distribute more than $2 million in equipment and uniform grants to youth and high school football programs across the United States. The grant program has supported youth leagues and high schools in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., since 2006. USA Football equipment and uniform grants are made possible through support from the NFL Foundation.
Grants are valued up to $1,500 for youth organizations and $2,500 for high school programs, offering new equipment, uniforms, equipment reconditioning and flag football equipment to provide young athletes greater access as well as the fun and fitness benefits of the sport. Grants are fulfilled by USA Football and its equipment and uniform partner Riddell.
USA Football is the official youth football development partner of the Vikings, the NFL and each of the league's other 31 teams.
"We are pleased to work with USA Football and our teams to donate much-needed equipment to youth football leagues and high school football programs nationwide," said Alexia Gallager, director of the NFL Foundation. "These equipment grants will help ensure that youngsters who share our love of the game are able to play it safely."
"The health and safety of every young football player is our No. 1 priority," USA Football Executive Director Scott Hallenbeck said. "Having proper equipment is an important step toward that goal. Even with fundraising and strict attention to budgets, many leagues and school districts need help to properly outfit their young athletes who love to play football and enjoy the fun and fitness that comes with it. We are proud to lead this important program with support from the NFL Foundation and Riddell."
Minnesota youth and high school programs awarded a 2015 USA Football Equipment Grant:
Organization, City
Anoka Ramsey Athletic Association, Ramsey
Brooklyn Center Secondary, Brooklyn Center
Eastside Youth Athletic Association, Saint Paul
Junior Wolfpack Football, Cottage Grove
Milaca Youth Football Association, Milaca
Prescott School District, Prescott
Prior Lake Athletics For Youth, Prior Lake
Prior Lake High School, Savage
Rosemount Area Athletic Association, Rosemount
St. Anthony Boosters Football, Minneapolis
Spring Lake Park Youth Football Association, Blaine
August is USA Football Month, but the Vikings and USA Football are committed to supporting health, safety and sportsmanship in the sport year-round through initiatives like **Heads Up Football**.
About USA Football: Indianapolis-based USA Football (usafootball.com) is the sport's national governing body, leading the game's development for youth, high school and other amateur players. The independent nonprofit partners with leaders in medicine, child advocacy and sport to establish important standards rooted in education. USA Football advances coaching education and player skill development for safer play and positive experiences through athletics. Follow USA Football at facebook.com/usafootball or on Twitter @USAFootball.
About 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 and safety of athletes, youth football, and the communities which support our game. For more information on The NFL Foundation, visit: NFLFoundation.org.
