Youth Football

Through our grant programs and partnerships, hundreds of thousands of youth have been given the opportunity to learn the game of football, get physically fit, and stay involved in productive after-school activities with adult mentors. The programs supported by the NFL Foundation also have provided youth football participants with safe and accessible places to play, as well as programs and initiatives that address the importance of proper coaching, health, safety and wellness, academic and life skills development & character education programs.

GIRLS FLAG

In 2022, the NFL put significant resources toward growing girls participation in flag football. Seven states now have girls flag sanctioned as a high school varsity sport. Additionally, 31 NFL clubs hosted a girls flag jamboree event and/or piloted a girls flag league in their markets.

YOUTH FLAG FOOTBALL BY THE NUMBERS:

1.5 MILLION PARTICIPANTS AGED 6-12 IN THE U.S.

MORE THAN 38% INCREASE IN TOTAL YOUTH PLAYING SINCE 2015

20 STATES IN PILOT PROGRAMS

USA FOOTBALL FIRST DOWN

First Down is a fun and free introduction to football for kids and their parents. Young athletes get active and learn the basics like running, jumping, passing and catching. Clinics are hosted by NFL players and USA Football provides the programming that is based on the Football Development Model. Over 90 First Down Clinics were hosted in 2022.

NFL FOUNDATION CAMP GRANT

Each year, the NFL Foundation supports current and former NFL players and coaches who organize and host free, non-contact youth football camps during the summer. The program recognizes NFL players and coaches who give back to communities in their hometowns or club markets and offer young athletes the opportunity to play in a healthy and fun environment. As part of summer camp season festivities, current players, NFL Legends and coaches hosted free, non-contact youth football camps for children across the country. Camps were open to boys and girls ages 5-18.

NFL FOUNDATION GRANTS

NFL club foundations also receive grants from the NFL Foundation to help provide NFL PLAY 60 programs in their communities, as well as programs and events that support athletic trainers, field refurbishments, and various other youth football needs.

 

Grant Programs

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Player Matching Youth & High School Football Grants

  • Youth Football
  • Matching Grants

Supports former and current NFL players through financial matching and coach support grants to high schools and youth football programs.

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Youth Football Camp Grants

  • Youth Football

Through this program, grants are awarded to free, non-contact youth football clinics and camps organized by current and former NFL players and coaches.

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Pro Bowl Community Grant

  • Youth Football

Provides grants to Hawaiian nonprofit organizations to benefit the state beyond the Pro Bowl game. Recipient organizations must be dedicated to serving youth in the state of Hawaii.

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NFL Club Community Grants

  • Health & Safety
  • Youth Football
  • Social Justice

Grants are provided to each of the 32 NFL teams to support the implementation of the league’s national initiatives throughout the year in local team markets.

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Nike Youth Football Grant

  • Health & Safety
  • Youth Football
  • Social Justice
  • Matching Grants

Through an expanded partnership with Nike, the NFL and NFL Foundation are able to provide up to $35,000 per club to activate in a variety of youth and high school spaces.

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NFL High School Football Coach of the Week

  • Youth Football

Provides NFL clubs with funds to recognize local high school coaches who demonstrate hard work and dedication to their football programs.

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