NFL Foundation UK and the Leeds United Foundation, NFL UK’s and Leeds United Football Club’s respective charitable arms, and NFL franchise San Francisco 49ers, announced the Unlocking Potential programme, which aims to provide greater access to educational and sporting pathways for marginalised young people in Leeds across the next three years.
NFL Foundation UK which has already developed projects in London, Greater Manchester and Birmingham, will now provide NFL Flag programmes with the partners to local community charities and schools in Leeds. With joint grant funding, the project seeks to tackle inequality and barriers to sport and deliver positive outcomes for young people ranging from improving their physical and mental wellbeing through increasing opportunities to education and employment.
The programme will be introduced to over 1,000 boys and girls aged 11-20 in primary and secondary schools in the first year, plus colleges and community groups in the local areas of Leeds, including Beeston, Hunslet, Holbeck and Chapeltown. Beneficiaries will receive training and equipment, alongside a variety of educational workshops, plus NFL themed events and flag football programmes all hosted at Elland Road. The ambition is to reach 3,000 participants by year three.
To mark the launch, the partners hosted an event on Tuesday 16th July at Leeds United Centenary Pavilion and local community pitch, Beggars Hill. The event featured 120 young people from three local schools participating in flag football workshops and team building exercises, designed as an introduction to the sport. Participants met with former 49ers player, Jesse Sapolu and received merchandise from Elms Marketing to provide long-lasting memories.
Henry Hodgson, General Manager, NFL UK, said: “We are delighted to partner with Leeds United and San Francisco 49ers to expand the NFL Foundation UK’s reach into Leeds as part of our commitment to supporting communities and helping to address inequality in society through the power of sport and education.
“The delivery of NFL Flag programmes London, Birmingham and Manchester to date have been successful in connecting with underrepresented groups to help young people get active, and we are excited about the potential to further impact the lives of youngsters in Leeds.”
Frances Milner, Chief Executive Officer, Leeds United Foundation, said: “We are excited to be partnering on such a…
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