The Carolina Panthers and USA Football recently awarded football equipment and uniform grants to youth and high school football programs throughout the Carolinas based on merit and need.
Grants are valued up to $1,500 for youth organizations and $2,500 for middle and high school programs, offering new equipment, uniforms and flag football equipment to provide young athletes greater access as well as the fun and fitness benefits of the sport. Grants are fulfilled by USA Football and its equipment partner Riddell and uniform provider Siege Sports.
| SCHOOL | LOCATION |
| Carolina Hornets | Gastonia, N.C. |
| Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools | Charlotte, N.C. |
| Dallas Wildcats Football & Cheerleading | Gastonia, N.C. |
| Lake Norman Ducks Youth Football | Huntersville, N.C. |
| Mallard Creek High School | Charlotte, N.C. |
| Mallard Creek Youth Football | Concord, N.C. |
| N.C. Oregon Ducks Youth Sports, Inc. (Eastway Ducks) | Charlotte, N.C. |
| RS Youth Football & Cheerleading Association | Ellenboro, N.C. |
| South Asheboro Middle School | Asheboro, N.C. |
| South Mecklenburg High School | Charlotte, N.C. |
| West Pine Middle School | West End, N.C. |
USA Football, the official youth football development partner of the Panthers, the NFL and each of the league's other 31 teams partners with the Panthers and all NFL clubs to annually distribute more than $1.5 million in equipment and uniform grants to youth and high school football programs across the United States. The program has awarded more than $9.5 million in football equipment since 2006. USA Football equipment and uniform grants are made possible through support from the NFL Foundation.
"We are pleased to work with USA Football and our teams to donate much-needed equipment to youth football leagues and school-based football programs nationwide," said Alexia Gallagher, director of the NFL Foundation. "These equipment grants will help ensure that youngsters who share our love of the game are able to play it safer."
USA Football executive director Scott Hallenbeck said, "The health and safety of every young football player is our No. 1 priority. Having proper equipment is an important step toward that goal. Even with fundraising and strict attention to budgets, many leagues and school districts need help to properly outfit their young athletes who love to play football and enjoy the fun and fitness that comes with it. We are proud to lead this important program with support from the NFL Foundation, Riddell and Siege Sports."
