The San Francisco 49ers recently teamed up with USA Football, the sport’s national governing body and a member of the U.S. Olympic Committee, to hand out grants to several youth football teams in the San Francisco area.
The grants, which were for uniforms and safety equipment, were granted to select youth and scholastic football programs based on need and merit. Programs awarded grants included five in San Jose, three in Watsonville and one each in Stockton, Lockeford, Santa Cruz, Pleasanton, Santa Rose, Scotts Valley and the San Francisco metropolitan area.
The grants are valued up to $1,500 for youth programs and $2,500 for middle school and high school programs. All of the grants help to provide new uniforms and safety equipment. These grants from USA Football, which are given to increase the benefits and fun of playing football for all ages, are provided with help from its equipment partner, Riddell, and its uniform provider, Siege Sports, as well as support from the NFL Foundation.
The 49ers are not alone in this mission, as USA Football also partners with the other 31 NFL teams as the league’s youth development partner. The organization distributes more than $1.5 million in these grants annually. Since 2006, $9.5 million in grants for equipment have been given.
“We are pleased to work with USA Football and our teams to donate much-needed equipment to youth football leagues and school-based 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 safer.”
USA Football offers standards and practices in an attempt to help evolve the sport. The organization, which partners with leaders in medicine, child advocacy and athletics, provides support for all non-professional football players, from youth to high school and other amateur players. In addition to participation and safety, they also look to make advances in relationships between coaches and players, as well as the values football teaches.
This comes at a time where youth and pop warner football, and even flag football to a degree, has dealt with parents concerned for safety in the sport. Still,Sports Illustrated reported a slight increase in youth football participants last year.
“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 49ers, the NFL Foundation, Riddell and Siege Sports.”
Follow us on Twitter @playerinsiders @thomasjalbano
