NFL Players Association Awards Grants to Support Youth Camps Hosted by More Than 165 Players

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The NFL Players Association (NFLPA) is investing in its player members and their communities by awarding 165 charitable grants to support youth camps across the country.  

Through the new NFLPA Player Camp Grant Program, each eligible player received a $1,000 grant from their union, helping offset the costs to host a free, non-contact youth football or education camp in their hometown or team city.  Access to these free events provides meaningful opportunities for kids, regardless of background, to participate, develop their football skills, build confidence and learn valuable lessons directly from role models within their own community.

“Players never forget the people and communities that helped them get where they are. These camps are an opportunity to give back, share what they’ve learned, and help create opportunities for the next generation," NFLPA executive director JC Tretter said. "The impact goes far beyond football and helps strengthen the communities that supported these players long before they ever stepped onto an NFL field.”  

To further support the important off-field work of players, the NFLPA’s staff also provided on-site volunteers at several player camps and continued its Offseason Community MVP campaign, which spotlights player's philanthropic work across the union's digital media platforms.

"Being able to come home and host a camp like this means a lot to me. This camp wasn't about football, but technology, which has always been a passion of mine," New Orleans Saints defensive back and two-time NFLPA Community MVP Justin Reid said. "I wanted to create an opportunity for kids in the community to access a path they might not have had the chance to. Working with the kids, seeing them excited to learn new skills and just have fun was such a rewarding experience."  

Through this initiative, the NFLPA is continuing its commitment to empower players in support of their efforts to enhance their communities and make a positive impact beyond the game.  

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About the NFL Players Association:  

The National Football League Players Association (NFLPA) is the union for professional football players in the NFL and is headquartered in Washington, D.C. Established in 1956, the NFLPA has a long history of protecting the health, safety and financial future of its more than 2,000 player members, who are the backbone of North America’s most popular and highest revenue-generating sport. Through a wide offering of programs, resources and engagement opportunities, the NFLPA provides world-class service to players throughout their career lifecycle and builds solidarity to advocate on their behalf in the areas of healthcare, revenue, compensation and working conditions. The current CBA will govern the sport through the 2030 season. Learn more at nflpa.com.