The Los Angeles Chargers, in partnership with the NFL Foundation and Good Sports, are proud to announce a donation of over $42,000 in brand-new football equipment to the Inglewood Chargers and Crenshaw Cougars, two youth football teams in the Snoop Youth Football League.
This donation is part of an ongoing commitment to supporting and empowering young athletes in the community.
The equipment provided to the teams included helmets, shoulder pads, footballs, blocking shields, agility equipment, girdles, water bottles and more.
These essential items will benefit 440 young athletes across the two teams, ensuring they have everything they need to compete safely and confidently as they prepare for their upcoming seasons.
Zac Emde, Director of Football Development for the Los Angeles Chargers, emphasized the importance of this initiative and what it means for the teams.
"We believe that every young athlete should have access to the equipment they need to play the game safely and confidently," Emde said. "By partnering with the NFL Foundation and Good Sports, we're not just providing gear; we're investing in the future of these kids and their love for football. It's an honor to contribute to their growth both on and off the field."
Zalonte Smith Jr., a 7U athlete on the Crenshaw Cougars, expressed his excitement about the new gear.
"Getting the equipment will help me get better, which makes me happy," Smith said. "I love football, so when we got the stuff, I felt like I wanted to hit the practice field right then.
"Football makes me happy, and the new equipment will help my team win a championship," Smith added.
Gary Bass, President of the Inglewood Chargers, also shared his gratitude over the new equipment.
"We are extremely thankful for the Chargers, Good Sports and the NFL Foundation," Bass said. "The donation helped us allocate funds that we would normally use for new equipment on other expenses such as field costs, storage fees, game sites, and lower registration fees."
Good Sports, a nonprofit dedicated to ensuring all kids have the opportunity to play sports, played a crucial role in making this donation possible.
Their mission aligns perfectly with the goal of supporting the next generation of football players in Los Angeles. Melissa Harper, CEO of Good Sports, talked about her gratitude for the partnership.
"We are incredibly grateful for the generosity of the NFL Foundation and for having the opportunity to work with teams like the Chargers," Harper said. "The young athletes from these LA-area programs that Good Sports supports received life-changing equipment to propel them to be better on and off the field, and on top of it, were given the amazing opportunity to attend camp with professional football players.
"This is the type of work we love being a part of, and it truly encapsulates our mission of providing Play for All," Harper added.
This donation represents a collaborative effort to ensure that youth football programs in Los Angeles have the resources they need to succeed.
The partnership between the Chargers, the NFL Foundation and Good Sports is a testament to the power of community support and the shared goal of nurturing young athletes.
As the Inglewood Chargers and Crenshaw Cougars gear up for their seasons, the impact of this donation will be felt both on and off the field, helping these young players develop their skills and fostering a lifelong love for the game.
