Always looking to provide a helping hand, USA Football and the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) have teamed up to provide funding to youth football programs that are administered through Parks and Recreation agencies and independent organizations that play on public fields across the country.
The NRPA/USA Football 2008 Youth Football Grant program is part of a three-year agreement that began in 2006 in conjunction with USA Football and the NFL. Through the first two years of the program, awards totaling almost $600,000 have been given to youth football programs in need of a little boost.
"The National Recreation and Park Association is very grateful for the financial support provided by USA Football, as it provides deserving programs with funding to enhance their recreational offerings," said Jay Richardson, the Sports and Grants Manager for the NRPA. "It's essential for the youth in our country to have adequate opportunities to play football, and this funding will have a huge impact on the football experience for thousands of kids."
In order to be eligible for one of these grants, a completed application and required documentation can be submitted online at www.nrpa.org/nfl and are due by Oct. 31. Grants will only be made available to participating programs that are conducted in Fall 2008, Winter 2008-09 or Spring 2009 and funding provided must be used by March 31, 2009.
NRPA/USA Football grants will range from $1,000 to $5,000 and should be used for football-related expenses. Consideration for a grant will be based on an organization's contribution to the community and its need for financial assistance.
In need of new helmets for its tackle football teams, the Ashe County (N.C.) Youth Football League was awarded a grant for $1,000 in 2007.
"Due to this generous grant, our league can continue its top-notch football program, which benefits Ashe County youth," said league president Rusty Barr. "The new helmets that we purchased with these funds are the best youth helmets on the market and could not have been afforded without this grant."
There are many different uses for a NRPA/USA Football grant, and it is up to each organization to decide what it deems most important. Along with helmets, the grant can assist a league or program in securing necessary concession equipment, field items and uniforms. Furthermore, the grant funds may also be utilized to pay for advertising, facility fees and insurance.
"USA Football is committed to fostering positive football experiences for every youngster playing America's favorite sport," said USA Football Executive Director Scott Hallenbeck. "We're doing this through exciting endeavors like our long-running grant partnership with the NRPA, which helps provide football equipment and field maintenance measures to those who need it most."