USA Football, the sport's national governing body in the United States, and the Falcons have recently awarded football equipment grants to youth and high school football programs throughout the Atlanta area based on merit and need.
USA Football partners with the Falcons and all NFL clubs to award equipment grants to youth and high school football programs across the United States. The program has awarded more than $4 million in football equipment through the NFL Youth Football Fund since 2006.
Each selected youth league receives a $1,000 package that offers a variety of football equipment and uniform options to choose from. High schools receive similar packages valued at $1,500. All equipment grants are fulfilled by Riddell, the official helmet and protective equipment partner of USA Football.
USA Football is the official youth football development partner of the Falcons, the NFL, each of its other 31 teams. The NFL Youth Football Fund, a joint partnership created by the NFL and the NFL Players Association, provides for approximately 800 football programs to earn an equipment grant from USA Football and NFL teams this season.
"We value the partnership with USA Football, because like the Atlanta Falcons, they place a strong emphasis on not only growing the sport of football but are creating opportunities for youth around the state of Georgia," said Kendyl Moss, Director of Community Relations for the Falcons.
"We are pleased to work with USA Football and our teams to donate much-needed equipment to youth leagues," said Alexia Gallagher, director of the NFL Youth Football Fund. "These grants will help ensure that youngsters who share our love of the game are able to play it safely."
"Even with multiple fundraisers and strict attention to budgets, many well-run youth and high school football programs need help to properly equip their teams," USA Football Executive Director Scott Hallenbeck said. "We are proud to be a partner in the Falcons' continued commitment to ensuring great football experiences for the kids, families and volunteers who power this sport in the Atlanta area."
Atlanta area youth and high school programs awarded a 2011 USA Football Equipment Grant: Lassiter High School (Marietta, Ga.), Cedar Grove High School Booster Club (Ellenwood, Ga.), Arabia Mountain High School (Lithonia, Ga.), Calhoun County High School, (Edison, Ga.), Metro Youth Flag Football League (Lithonia, Ga.), Bremen Parks & Recreation (Bremen, Ga.), Newton County Jets (Conyers, Ga.), Westside Steelers (Athens, Ga.), Branch Outreach Center (Decatur, Ga.), Stonehenge Youth Association (Bogart, Ga.), World Youth Football League (Decatur, Ga.).
