Orchard Park - USA Football, the sport's national governing body on youth and amateur levels, and the Buffalo Bills have recently awarded football equipment grants to youth football programs throughout the Buffalo area based on merit and need.
USA Football partners with the Bills 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 $3 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. All equipment grants are fulfilled by Riddell, the official helmet and protective equipment partner of USA Football.
"I know first-hand how important youth sports are and this grant from the Bills and USA Football helps us," said JOSEPH BRONGOof the Webster Jr. Warriors Jr. Titans. "When you expand your league, your costs increase. With 40 more players this season, we have 40 more children to outfit, new teams need blocking bags, and there's an increase in field costs."
USA Football is the official youth football development partner of the Bills, the NFL, each of its other 31 teams and the NFL Players Association. The NFL Youth Football Fund, a joint partnership between 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 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 help ensure that youngsters who share our love of the game are able to play it safely."
"Even with multiple fundraisers and strict budget adherence, 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 Bills' continued commitment to ensure great football experiences for the kids, families and volunteers who power this sport in the Buffalo area."
Buffalo area youth football programs awarded a 2010 USA Football Equipment Grant:
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ORGANIZATION |
CITY |
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Albion Youth Football J.F.K. Little Loop Football American Youth Football and Cheerleading League Geneseo Junior Blue Devils Webster Jr. Warriors Jr. Titans |
Albion, N.Y. Buffalo, N.Y. Farmington, N.Y. Geneseo, N.Y. Webster, N.Y. |
