USA FOOTBALL AWARDS $580,000 IN SPRING GRANTS TO SUPPORT AND GROW YOUTH PROGRAMS
National Governing Body’s spring grants provide organizations with essential equipment
INDIANAPOLIS, IND. – In pursuit of its mission as the sport’s National Governing Body, USA Football awarded $580,000 through its spring grants program to youth sports organizations across the country. Since 2006, USA Football has awarded more than $23 million in grants to more than 16,000 programs in all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
USA Football and its Official Tackle Protective Partner, Certor Sports, which pioneers industry-leading brands including Schutt, VICIS and TUCCI, and BSN SPORTS will fulfill spring grants for more than 610 enrolled programs. Together, the organizations will break down barriers to participation by providing athletes and their communities with equipment essential for playing football.
Spring grants are part of USA Football’s comprehensive grants program, which is made possible through the NFL Foundation.
“Empowering athletes by providing them and their local organizations with the resources and equipment they need to grow and succeed is part of our mission at USA Football,” said USA Football Senior Director of Grants Beth Porreca. “We’re thankful to be in the position to support so many communities and help the sport flourish. Hearing stories about how surprised or excited young athletes and even coaches are when they receive new equipment is so heartwarming.”
As part of USA Football’s efforts this spring, 15,000 flag football belts and 2,700 footballs were also distributed to more than 140 youth sports organizations, middle schools and high school girls’ flag programs. Flag football is one of the nation’s fastest-growing sports, especially among girls and women. According to the Physical Activity Council’s Annual Participation study, in the decade from 2015 through 2024, the number of girls ages six to 12 playing flag football increased 283%. During the same time frame, there was a 37% increase in participation in flag football among all youth ages 6-17.
USA Football’s grants program also includes fall grants, AED grants, CATCH grants, flag equipment grants and girls’ flag football grants. Together, these grants provide grassroots organizations with the equipment and resources they need to meet the growing demand for educational and competitive football opportunities.
USA Football offers grant opportunities throughout the year to enrolled organizations. Enrolling with USA Football is free. To learn more or to apply for available grants, visit usafootball.com/grants.
About USA Football: USA Football is the National Governing Body (NGB) for American Football in the United States and the sole U.S. member of the International Federation of American Football (IFAF), the international governing body for the sport of American football. USA Football selects, trains and leads Team USA Football® in tackle and flag football disciplines, while delivering world-class football development resources, sport standards and competitive opportunities to empower athletes at every level. USA Football is committed to ensuring every athlete has access to develop and compete in the game through safer, inclusive and innovative pathways. For more information, visit usafootball.com.