PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — USA Football and the New England Patriots recently awarded a $1,000 grant to the Aroostook Huskies football program.
USA Football, the sport’s national governing body and a member of the U.S. Olympic Committee, and the New England Patriots recently awarded grants for new equipment, uniforms and other resources to youth and scholastic football programs throughout the New England area.
According to Taylor DeFelice of the Aroostook Huskies, the money will be used to buy new shoulder pads for their players.
“At a cost of $118 per set, it will not buy too many, but it helps,” DeFelice said. “We rely on fundraisers and grants for all of our gear and needs, so every little bit helps.”
In 2019, USA Football’s equipment grant program will award over $1.5 million in resources to benefit young athletes based on need, merit and the organization’s commitment to coaching education and best practices. Since 2006, USA Football’s grant program has awarded more than $14 million in grants to youth and school-based football programs, which has directly benefited more than 500,000 youth and high school players across 9,500 programs in all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
USA Football’s equipment grant program is made possible through the NFL Foundation, the league’s nonprofit organization representing its 32 clubs. Its mission is to support the health, safety and wellness of athletes, youth football and the communities which support the game. USA Football is the official youth football development partner of the NFL.
“In partnership with USA Football and our 32 clubs, the NFL Foundation is proud to deliver much-needed resources and equipment to youth football leagues and school-based football programs across the country,” said Alexia Gallagher, executive director of the NFL Foundation. “These efforts help create an enhanced football-playing experience and ensure kids can enjoy the fun and fitness of the ultimate team sport.”
“USA Football is pleased to work with the New England Patriots, the NFL Foundation and our partners to provide resources and equipment to help athletes across youth leagues and scholastic programs have an exceptional football experience,” said USA Football CEO Scott Hallenbeck. “Through these grants, the football family is supported and elevated as we continue to work together to reimagine our game for the good of our young athletes who love to play it.”
“The Kraft family and the New England Patriots Foundation have been strong supporters of youth football for more than 25 years,” said Andre Tippett, Pro Football Hall of Famer and the Patriots executive director of community affairs. “We love the game of football and want to make sure we provide opportunities for youth across New England to play the sport. We are proud to team with USA Football and we thank them for their shared commitment to the safety and well-being of these young athletes.”
