USA Football, a non-profit organization leading the sport's development on a grassroots level, in conjunction with the NFL and NFL Players Association, will award more than $500,000 in equipment grants in addition to other initiatives as part of its "Play Football" campaign to kick off the upcoming season.
"Play Football" promotes America's favorite sport through NFL preseason telecasts as the campaign's logo will be displayed on several NFL fields, youth teams and leagues may create free websites through USAFootball.com, and NFL in-stadium events and video scoreboard messages will support the kickoff message. NFL Network studio analyst Rod Woodson - a 12-time NFL Pro Bowl selection and a "football parent" -- leads the "Play Football" roster as the national campaign's spokesperson.
"As a 'football dad' with two sons playing the sport, I'm proud to be part of USA Football," says Woodson, the NFL's all-time leader in interceptions returned for touchdowns (12). "Playing team sports in a fun and encouraging environment is so important toward a youngster's development and that's what 'Play Football' fosters. If you care about this game, join me at USA Football to make sure that the world's greatest sport continues to roll and become stronger."
Based on need and merit, USA Football will distribute more than $500,000 in football equipment grants to high school and independent youth organizations through an online application at USAFootball.com. A total of 200 independent youth football organization grants valued at $1,500 and 100 high school team grants valued at $2,000 will be used to purchase equipment from USA Football partners Schutt Sports and Gilman Gear. Grant applications will be accepted at USAFootball.com through September 30.
Thousands of youth teams may obtain free "Celebration Kits" at USAFootball.com. The football-themed package includes water bottles, trading cards, and a coach's protective play sheet holder.
"Parents like Rod Woodson, players, coaches, volunteers running youth leagues - so many people give of themselves to keep this game strong and spread its values of teamwork, sacrifice and discipline," says USA Football Executive Director Scott Hallenbeck. "We provide resources to those who give this sport a beating heart. 'Play Football' allows us, the NFL and the NFLPA to kick off the 2007 season in an exciting way while strengthening the game for its youngest players."
"As football season draws near, 'Play Football' encourages young people to be active and provides them with the necessary structure through thousands of youth leagues and teams to enjoy playing our sport," says NFL Executive Vice President and USA Football Board Member Joe Browne. "We in the NFL strongly support the campaign."