NASHVILLE – In support of youth football across the state of Tennessee, the Tennessee Titans recently donated over $315,000 to flag, youth, middle and high school football programs in the team's region. The donations were made to 60 organizations and schools that demonstrated strong commitment to the development and safety of youth football.
Groups were encouraged to apply for a grant via the Titans' website back in January, describing a specific project that enhanced their football program.
Most applications spoke to the need to replace outdated equipment and kickstart programs focused on academic and personal enhancement for student athletes. Two Rivers Middle School in Nashville will apply its grant towards an afterschool program focused on sportsmanship development, fitness, and academic effort, while Fairley High School in Memphis will put the funding towards updating helmets and replacing stolen uniforms.
Red Bank High School, located in Chattanooga, applied for support of a project that will transform its weight room into an educational space for the entire student body, not limited to student athletes. All students will have access to a course that teaches basic weight training with elite equipment. Faculty and staff will also be able to utilize the room.
"Red Bank has a rich tradition of strong athletics and community pride, and this project and the Titans' donation towards it is a direct reflection of what our students deserve and have deserved for some time," said head football coach Christopher Brown. "As much as we know that our role is to serve our student body, it's refreshing to see the titans giving back to so many other Tennessee schools as well."
A full list of organizations that received grants can be found HERE.
In addition to the grants, the Titans will continue its support of the annual Mr. Football Awards, High School Coach of the Week and Coach of the Year program and many other youth football initiatives, including the recent High School Football Recruiting Fair and upcoming Titans Youth Football Camps in June.
"This grant process really spoke to the crux of why we as an organization are so committed to developing youth football in our area," said Josh Corey, Titans Football Outreach Manager. "During the application process, we heard from organizations all across the state looking for better equipment, safer helmets, and the best tools for their athletes on the field and in the classroom.
"These are critical needs in the safety and development of young athletes, and they all require funding. For the Titans to play a role in helping these groups reach their full potential is extremely rewarding, and we look forward to supporting more of their projects in the future."
