NEW YORK -- The NFL will award $2.5 million in grants for new or refurbished football fields in 15 cities.
The money will go to schools, parks and other facilities in Atlanta; Spartanburg, S.C.; Chicago; Alexandria, Ky.; Grafton, Ohio; Pueblo, Colo.; Detroit; West Allis, Wis.; New Orleans; Newark, N.J.; Philadelphia; Penn Hills, Pa.; Clearwater, Fla.; Madison, Tenn.; and Washington.
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"Community fields are the pillars of neighborhoods across the country, places where families can 'play 60' together in a safe environment," NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said.
The program is a partnership between the league and the Local Initiatives Support Corporation and is part of a 14-year, $32.5 million commitment the NFL has made through its grass roots program. So far, 256 football fields nationwide have been constructed or renovated.
"Health and safety in sports should be a priority at every level," NFLPA executive director DeMaurice Smith said. "The field improvements made by this important program will be a tremendous benefit to active youth across the country. The players of the NFL also applaud these nonprofits for their work to better our communities."
Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press
