USA Football, the sport's national governing body in the United States, and the Jaguars have recently awarded football equipment grants to youth and high school football programs throughout the Jacksonville area based on merit and need. 

USA Football partners with the Jaguars and all NFL clubs to award equipment grants to youth and high school football programs across the United States. The program has awarded more than $4 million in football equipment through the NFL Youth Football Fund since 2006. 

Each selected youth league receives a $1,000 package that offers a variety of football equipment and uniform options to choose from. High schools receive similar packages valued at $1,500. Equipment grants are fulfilled by USA Football partners Riddell (protective equipment) and Rawlings (uniforms and footballs). 

"The Jaguars are very thankful for the relationship we have with USA Football and Riddell. This partnership allows us to assist area football programs by providing quality equipment and continue to promote player safety at the youth level," said Jaguars Equipment Manager DREW HAMPTON.

USA Football is the official youth football development partner of the Jaguars, the NFL, each of its other 31 teams. The NFL Youth Football Fund, a joint partnership created by the NFL and the NFL Players Association, provides for approximately 800 football programs to earn an equipment grant from USA Football and NFL teams this season. 

"We are pleased to work with USA Football and our teams to donate much-needed equipment to youth leagues," said ALEXIA GALLAGHER, director of the NFL Youth Football Fund. "These grants will help ensure that youngsters who share our love of the game are able to play it safely." 

"Even with multiple fundraisers and strict attention to budgets, many well-run youth and high school football programs need help to properly equip their teams," USA Football Executive Director SCOTT HALLENBECK said. "We are proud to be a partner in the Jaguars' continued commitment to ensuring great football experiences for the kids, families and volunteers who power this sport in the Jacksonville area." 

Jacksonville area youth and high school programs awarded a 2011 USA Football Equipment Grant:

About USA Football:USA Football, the sport's national governing body in the United States, inspires participation, and ensures a positive experience for all youth, high school, and other amateur players.* The independent non-profit hosts more than 80 football training events annually for coaches, players and youth football league commissioners. USA Football is the official youth football development partner of the NFL and its 32 teams and manages U.S. national teams for international competition. Endowed by the NFL and NFL Players Association in 2002 through the NFL Youth Football Fund, USA Football distributes $1 million annually in equipment grants and offers youth league volunteer background check subsidies. Former NFL team executive Carl Peterson is USA Football's chairman.*