KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Today, the Kanas City Chiefs announced that USA Football and the American Heart Association recently awarded 34 grants to youth football organizations and schools throughout the region. The extensive grant offerings support the growth of the game across Chiefs Kingdom.
"We are thankful for the continued support from USA Football and the American Heart Association as they continue to assist with the growth of youth football across Chiefs Kingdom," Chiefs Head of Football Development Sheila Sickau said. "These grants are about creating opportunity for the youth in our community to enjoy the game by providing necessary equipment and other resources to learn the game in a safe and fun way. In addition, these resources will help develop life skills off the field and support the overall well-being of kids in our region."
USA Football's grants program, which is made possible by support from the NFL Foundation, complements the Chiefs' continued support of grassroots football by awarding new equipment and resources to local youth programs based on merit and need for the upcoming 2026 season. These grants allow young athletes and nearly 2,000 organizations to continue enjoying America's favorite sport while learning life lessons and building friendships. Additionally, spring grants have been dispersed to several Flag Football programs, further cementing the Chiefs effort in growing the sport across the region.
Local youth football programs receiving 2026 USA Football Spring Grants include:
| School/Organization | City, State |
|---|---|
| Arkansas City Youth Football - MSFL | Arkansas City, Kan. |
| Boys and Girls Club of Lawrence, Kansas | Lawrence, Kan. |
| Camdenton Lakers Youth Football League | Montreal, Mo. |
| Columbia Youth Football League (MO) | Columbia, Mo. |
| Goddard WildCats Jr Football - MSFL | Wichita, Kan. |
| Grain Valley R-5 High School | Grain Valley, Mo. |
| Gretna Youth Sports - MYFL | Omaha, Neb. |
| Indians Youth Football and Cheer | Sibley, Mo. |
| Jewish Community Center of Greater Kansas City | Overland Park, Kan. |
| KC Gators, Inc. | Kansas City, Kan. |
| KC Rebels Youth | Raytown, Mo. |
| Kearney Family YMCA | Kearney, Neb. |
| Lee’s Summit Football Association | Lee’s Summit, Mo. |
| Lincoln Youth Football | Lincoln, Neb. |
| Linn Wildcat Booster Club | Linn, Mo. |
| Millard United Sports - GPYF | Omaha, Neb. |
| Missouri Wolverines Youth Organization | Kansas City, Mo. |
| Orthman Community YMCA | Lexington, Neb. |
| Police Athletics for Community Engagement | Omaha, Neb. |
| Reeds Spring Youth Football | Reeds Spring, Mo. |
| South Omaha Athletics - MYFL | Omaha, Neb. |
| Sunrise Optimist Club North Topeka, Kansas | Topeka, Kan. |
| Wellington Football & Cheer | Wellington, Kan. |
| Willard - Show Me | Springfield, Mo. |
| Wyandotte County Panthers Youth Football & Cheer - KCSFA | Kansas City, Kan. |
NFL PLAY 60 is recognized by the American Heart Association for its ongoing effort to promote an active lifestyle and improve the health of young people. During the 2026 spring cycle, grants were awarded to schools for funding to provide CPR readiness in schools. Additionally, the NFL PLAY 60 grants will support several areas of need identified by selected schools across Chiefs Kingdom, including physical activity equipment, Flag Football support, enhancements for recess, and inclusive physical education, and mental and physical well-being resources.
Local schools receiving 2026 NFL PLAY 60 Spring Grants include:
| Schools | City, State |
|---|---|
| Bell City R-ll School District | Bell City, Mo. |
| Harper Elementary School | Harper, Kan. |
| Holy Cross Academy St. Michael Primary | Shrewsbury, Mo. |
| Oakley Elementary | Oakley, Kan. |
| Pheasant Point Elementary | O'Fallon, Mo. |
| Russell Jones Education Center | Kansas City, Mo. |
| St. Mark's Lutheran School | Eureka, Mo. |
| Wildwood Elementary | Sarcoxie, Mo. |
| Will Rogers Elementary | Vinita, Okla. |
About USA Football
USA Football is the governing body of American football in the United States, the sole U.S. member of the International Federation of American Football, and a recognized sports organization of the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee. Its non-profit mission includes designing and delivering premier educational, development, and competitive programs for American football, including tackle and flag football. USA Football is the only organization that selects and organizes men's and women's U.S. National Teams in federation-sanctioned international competition.
About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public's health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
About NFL PLAY 60
NFL PLAY 60 is the League's national youth health and wellness platform. For nearly 20 years, the initiative has empowered millions of youth to get physically active for at least 60 minutes a day and provided support for programs and resources so that kids everywhere can lead a healthy lifestyle. Alongside the NFL's 32 NFL clubs and partners, the PLAY 60 movement will continue to serve and motivate the next generation of youth to get active and PLAY 60. For more information, visit NFL.com/PLAY60.
