In 2024, Gridiron Football achieved a significant milestone by becoming a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. This development is not only a testament to the growth and success of the organization but also highlights its commitment to providing opportunities for young athletes who might otherwise go unnoticed. The Gridiron Football All-American Bowl Game, which has seen over 400 players go on to play college football, is at the heart of this mission. With a 98% success rate in helping high school players get noticed by colleges, the game has proven to be a beacon of hope for young athletes across the country.
Supporting Local Talent
One of the most important aspects of Gridiron Football’s work is its ability to shine a light on players who may not receive attention due to their location or school size. For schools like Delta Charter, located in a smaller community, Gridiron Football’s platform is vital in helping talented players get noticed. As Coach Charles Griffin and Head Coach Blake Wheeler from Delta Charter put it:
“First off, we would like to thank you and your brand for visiting our school and recognizing kids on our team that lack getting noticed and attention being a 1A school. Just your presence in 2021 to help bring to light a true star in Tre Griffin has shown other kids at our school that if you can play, you can be found. Your platform of the Gridiron Bowl Game is an example of excellence that gives kids all over the state a platform to show their talents if they work hard enough and commit to the game we love.”
Coach Griffin’s words reflect the core mission of Gridiron Football: to provide a platform for all athletes, regardless of where they come from, to showcase their talents. By supporting this organization, donors and sponsors are not only helping these young athletes but also empowering entire communities that might otherwise go unrecognized.
Impact on Local Communities
The Gridiron Football All-American Bowl Game has become more than just a game—it’s a vehicle for positive change. The 2023 game, for example, had an estimated $2.5 million in economic impact and attracted over 4,000 attendees to the stadium. These numbers show just how much of a boost the event provides to local businesses, hotels, and restaurants. As a 501(c)(3), Gridiron Football is now better positioned to receive donations and sponsorships that will help it continue to grow and benefit communities like those in Louisiana, where high school football players’ GPAs have improved, and the state is now ranked in the top 40 in education for the first time in its history.
By sponsoring or donating to Gridiron Football, individuals and businesses are contributing to the future of both athletes and the community. It’s not just about football; it’s about building a stronger future for young people through education, discipline, and teamwork.
Giving Players the Opportunity to Shine
Head Coach PJ Sprunk, who will serve as the head coach for this year’s Gridiron Bowl Game, knows firsthand the life-changing impact the game has on young athletes. He has witnessed players arrive at the game without any college offers and leave with commitments from schools. In his own words:
“This year will be my 4th year coaching in the Gridiron Bowl Game. I have personally witnessed several kids who have come to the game without an offer, and not only were offered after the game but ended up committing to those schools. The Gridiron game does a lot for the guys who aren’t the ones that are being heavily recruited necessarily, but guys looking for an opportunity and deserve it.”
For players like these, the Gridiron Football All-American Bowl Game is more than just a chance to play—it’s a lifeline. Coach Sprunk’s experience highlights the transformative power of this event, which is made possible by the support of donors and sponsors.
Why It Matters
As Gridiron Football continues to grow and evolve as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the need for community support has never been more critical. Sponsorships and donations directly impact the lives of young athletes, helping them gain exposure, improve their skills, and ultimately achieve their dreams of playing college football. Moreover, the positive effects ripple beyond the players themselves, strengthening local economies and elevating community spirit.
Coach Griffin from Delta Charter also noted how Gridiron Football has encouraged participation in their football program. The visibility and opportunities created by the Bowl Game have inspired more students to join the team, growing the roster from 17 players in 2020 to 32 players in 2024. The program’s success is, in large part, due to the platform Gridiron Football provides:
“With your visit and bowl game, kids want to play to show that here at Delta Charter we play great football as well, so we would like to say thank you for your effort in recognizing kids all over the state.”
This is why supporting Gridiron Football is so important. It’s about giving back to the community, ensuring that every student-athlete has the chance to be seen and supported, and creating opportunities that go far beyond the football field.
Whether through donations, sponsorships, or simply attending the Gridiron Football All-American Bowl Game, the impact of your support will be felt by young athletes, their families, and the entire community.
You must be logged in to post a comment.