By Kyle Eversgerd
Special to Stlouisrams.com

With the 2009 football season underway at all levels of competition, USA Football is reaching out to help youth and high school teams get a head start on preparing for next season.

The national governing body on youth and amateur levels, USA Football announced that it will award $1 million in equipment grants to high school and youth football teams across the country.  The grants will be awarded based on merit and need, and applications are available at www.usafootball.com until October 15 at 5 p.m. EST.  Teams receiving grants will have their items shipped in late October in preparation for the 2010 season. great way to get rolling for 2010.  

Teams awarded grants will have several options to choose from, including equipment and uniform packages.   Youth teams receiving grants will amount to $1,000, while high school grants will total $1,500.  Official partners of USA Football, Riddell and Under Armour, will provide the equipment and gear. 

Michael Yarbrough, St. Louis Rams Director of Community Outreach and Youth Football Programs, was delighted to hear USA Football was continuing its presence in the youth football community.

“Since its inception, USA Football has been an integral partner in reaching and supporting St. Louis area youth football organizations,” he stated.  “The USA Football Coaching School and USA Football Leadership Forum provide unmatched development opportunities for youth football coaches.  Also, USA Football provides a number or resources and information for coaches, parents and athletes.  I would encourage everyone to visit their website and become a member.”

Last season USA Football’s awarded grants to high school and youth teams across the country totaled a value of $449, 500.  In the grant program’s three-year history, 810 grants have been awarded for a total value of $1,008,250.

About USA Football

USA Football, the sport’s national governing body on youth and amateur levels, conducts more than 100 football training events annually to further strengthen the game.  USA Football members – coaches, game officials and league commissioners – reside in all 50 states.  The independent non-profit based near Washington, D.C., is the official youth football development partner of the NFL, its 32 teams and the NFLPA.  The independent non-profit also manages U.S. national teams within the sport for international competition.  USA Football is chaired by former NFL team executive Carl Peterson.