NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee Titans and USA Football, the sport's national governing body and a member of the U.S. Olympic Committee, recently awarded grants for the purchase of new equipment, uniforms and other resources to 33 youth and scholastic football programs in the Titans market.
Grants were awarded based on merit, need and the organization's commitment to coaching education and best practices. A list of grant recipients is included below.
"The Titans are privileged to be able to support youth football programs in our community through the USA Football and NFL Foundation grant program," said Josh Corey, Tennessee Titans Football Outreach Coordinator. The quality of equipment now accessible to these coaches is going to make a big difference in the quality of the playing experience for their kids. All of the teams receiving grant funding participate in USA Football's Heads Up football program; they have made a commitment to ensuring a better and safer playing experience for their athletes. We are proud to reward that and to continue to support and grow the game of football in our market."
Grants are valued up to $1,500 apiece and provide the following resources from USA Football partners:
• Tackle football equipment from Riddell
• Flag football equipment from NFL FLAG powered by USA Football
• Uniforms from Siege Sports
• Tackling equipment from Tackle Tube
• Automated External Defibrillators from Physio-Control
• Field-building financial support from FieldTurf
• Strength training programming from Volt Athletics (high schools only)
Grants are funded by the NFL Foundation, the league's non-profit organization representing its 32 clubs.
"The NFL Foundation is proud to work with USA Football and our clubs to donate much-needed resources to youth football leagues and school-based football programs in communities throughout the country," said Alexia Gallagher, Executive Director of the NFL Foundation. "Providing new equipment and resources helps ensure young athletes will have a safer and more sustainable environment to play in, and enjoy a more positive football experience overall."
USA Football's grant program will award nearly $2 million in resources to benefit young athletes in 2017 and has awarded more than $10 million since 2006.
"USA Football is proud to lead this important program with support from the Tennessee Titans, the NFL Foundation and our partners to help leagues and school-based programs support the well-being of young athletes and ensure they are properly outfitted," USA Football CEO, Scott Hallenbeck said. "Like the game itself, this program is a team effort and the biggest winners are the kids who gain lasting rewards through the fun and fitness of football."
Youth and scholastic football programs in the Titans market awarded a 2017 USA Football grant:
Woodbine Colts - Antioch
First Baptist Academy - Powell
Mighty Mighty Cherokee Dolphins - Memphis
North Memphis Steelers - Memphis
Brown Middle School - Harrison
Harrison Recreation - Harrison
Orange Mound Raider Youth Sports - Memphis
Bartlett Youth Football - Bartlett
Karns Youth Football - Powell
Memphis Saints Youth Football - Memphis
Universal Youth Sports - Memphis
Warren Central High School - Bowling Green, KY
Dream Elite - Lenoir City
Kirby High School - Lake Cormorant, MS
Memphis Yellow Jackets Youth Sports - Memphis
Pearl-Cohn High school - Nashville
Prescott South Middle School - Cookeville
Red Bank High School - Chattanooga
Smyrna High School - Smyrna
St. Mark/Pride athletics West 10 Lions - Jackson
U.N.I.T 2 Foundation Inc. - Elizabethton
West Creek High School - Clarksville
Whitehaven Raiders - Olive Branch, MS
Clay County High School Touchdown Club - Moss
Jackson High School - Lebanon
Riverdale High School - Murfreesboro
South Haven Christian School - Springfield
Trigg County High School - Cadiz, KY
Kingsbury High School - Memphis
Martin Middle School - Martin
East Hickman High School Football - Lyles
Grace Baptist Academy - Chattanooga
About The NFL Foundation:The National Football League Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of those touched by the game of football – from players at all levels to communities across the country. The NFL Foundation represents the 32 NFL clubs and supports the health, safety and wellness of athletes, youth football, and the communities that support our game. For more information on The NFL Foundation, visit: www.NFLFoundation.org.
About USA Football: USA Football designs and delivers premier educational, developmental and competitive programs to advance and grow the sport. As the sport's national governing body, member of the U.S. Olympic Committee and organizer of the U.S. National Team for international competition, USA Football partners with leaders in medicine, child advocacy and athletics to support positive football experiences for youth, high school and other amateur players. Follow USA Football on Facebook or on Twitter.
Titans host annual high school football coaches clinic at Saint Thomas Sports Park. (Photos: Gary Glenn)