USA Football, the sport's national governing body in the United States, and the Buffalo Bills recently awarded football equipment and uniform grants to youth and high school football programs throughout Western New York based on merit and need.
USA Football partners with the Bills 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 organizations 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 Bills, 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 GALLAGHER, 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."
Western New York youth and high school programs awarded a 2015 USA Football Equipment Grant:
ORGANIZATION - CITY
Amherst High School - Amherst
Albion Youth Sports Athletic Program - Albion
Batavia Bulldawgs Youth Football & Cheer - Batavia
Bolivar Richburg Youth Football and Cheerleading - Bolivar
Cataract Little Loop Football Association - Niagara Falls
Cheektowaga Little Loop Athletic Association - Cheektowaga
Clarence Youth Football and Cheer Association - Clarence Center
Fairport Packers - Fairport
Gates-Chili Jr Spartans - Rochester
Geneseo Bills - Castile
Hill Butler Giants Football & Cheer Association - Buffalo
McKinley High School Football - Buffalo
Orchard Park Little League Football - Orchard Park
Pop Warner WNY Bills - Buffalo
Queen City Football Youth Christian League - Buffalo
Randolph Central School District - Randolph
Lancaster Youth Football & Cheer of Lancaster - Lancaster
Rush Henrietta Junior Comets - West Henrietta
Silver Creek High School - Silver Creek
Springville Little League Football - Springville
Warsaw Junior TIgers - Warsaw
About USA Football: Indianapolis-based USA Football (www.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 www.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: www.NFLFoundation.org.
