The NFL Foundation announced today that it is awarding grants totaling approximately $1 million to more than 400 NFL players, legends and coaches who are hosting free youth football camps in communities across the country this summer. For more than 25 years, the NFL Foundation – the league’s philanthropic arm – has provided funding through the Youth Football Camp Grant program to members of the NFL family to help them organize and host free, non-contact youth football summer camps.
Through this program, the NFL Foundation supports players, legends and coaches in hosting free youth football camps that focus on engaging underserved communities while emphasizing the importance of sportsmanship and staying active. Grant recipients also have the opportunity to work directly with USA Football, the National Governing Body for American Football in the U.S., to establish USA Football’s First Down Clinic program – a fun, free introduction to football focused on age-appropriate instruction in basic skills such as running, jumping, passing and catching. In 2024, NFL players hosted over 300 First Down Clinics, and USA Football held these camps at more than 10 major NFL events serving over 60,000 participants.
“For more than 25 years, the NFL Foundation has been proud to support the incredible efforts of the NFL family in growing the game of football and ensuring that youth have the opportunity to stay active and healthy through America’s favorite sport,” said NFL Vice President of Philanthropy and Executive Director of the NFL Foundation Alexia Gallagher. “The more than 400 NFL players, legends and coaches who are hosting free youth football camps this summer are great ambassadors for our game, and we are excited to see the impact they’ll make in communities across the country this year and beyond.”
NFL players and legends who are hosting free youth football camps this summer include: Jacksonville Jaguars defensive lineman and 2024 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Arik Armstead, Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans, Tennessee Titans defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons, Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf, and Los Angeles Rams legend Aaron Donald, among many others.
“Throughout my career, I’ve made it my mission off the field to empower youth by providing them with the resources and support they need to thrive,” said Jacksonville Jaguars defensive lineman Arik Armstead. “I’m excited to continue bringing this mission to life by returning to my hometown of Sacramento this summer and hosting a free football camp for local youth. All children deserve access to safe places where they can play and grow, and I’m proud to create that space for Sacramento youth this summer.”
The NFL Foundation is dedicated to providing youth with the resources and tools needed to become the next generation of leaders. Throughout the year, NFL Foundation grants play a crucial role in funding the league’s PLAY 60 initiative, which encourages youth to engage in physical activity for at least 60 minutes a day, as well as Character Playbook, the league’s program designed to help kids foster healthier relationships and protect their mental health. Through these efforts and other initiatives designed to support communities across the country, the NFL Foundation recently surpassed $1 billion in total philanthropic donations throughout its more than 50-year history.
About NFL Foundation
The National Football League Foundation is a nonprofit 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 and its members, the 32 NFL clubs, support the health, safety and wellness of athletes, youth football, and the communities that support our game. Over the past 50 years, the NFL Foundation has become one of the leading philanthropic entities in America, contributing to NFL team communities, national and international disaster relief efforts, and societal issues. For more information on the NFL Foundation, visit: www.NFLFoundation.org.
The above story is from a NFL news release
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