USA Football, the sport’s national governing body and a member of the U.S. Olympic Committee, and Riddell, a premier designer and developer of football helmets and protective sports equipment, partnered to award a combined $106,000 in disaster relief grants for 53 youth and high school football organizations across Florida and Texas, who were affected by hurricanes Harvey and Irma.

Through the USA Football Disaster Relief Grant Program, 53 youth and high school organizations received a $1,000 grant to replace lost or damaged equipment as a direct result of hurricanes Harvey and Irma. Riddell matched those grants in full, raising the grant value for each organization to $2,000.

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In partnership with the NFL Foundation, USA Football annually provides equipment donations to youth and high school football organizations that are affected by floods, earthquakes, fire, theft and other natural disasters.

“Sports are about community, teamwork and support, and we are pleased to do our small part by offering much-needed equipment grants to youth and high school organizations who have been impacted by situations beyond their control,” USA Football CEO Scott Hallenbeck said. “I extend my heartfelt appreciation to Riddell and their leadership for matching our grants to hurricane-impacted organizations across Texas and Florida.”

“Youth and high school sports, especially football, are an important part of the fabric of communities nationwide, but none more than those affected in Texas and Florida. To be able to step in and support them during this challenging time, with a partner like USA Football, is especially rewarding for Riddell,” said Riddell President and CEO Dan Arment. “Our hope is that by matching these grants, we enable these programs to continue to provide their athletes an opportunity to play America’s greatest game now and long into the future.”

USA Football’s Disaster Relief Grant Program is open year-round. A grant committee reviews each application to determine if an organization qualifies for USA Football support. Each recipient organization is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and is committed to its athletes, coaches and families through USA Football’s medically endorsed Heads Up Football program.