Atlanta Falcons Expand Support for High School Football in Georgia with New Initiatives

The Atlanta Falcons, in collaboration with the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, are set to strengthen their commitment to high school football in Georgia through two groundbreaking initiatives launching in 2025. These efforts aim to enhance both girls flag football and tackle football programs across the state, reflecting the organization’s dedication to the growth and safety of the sport at the high school level.

Starting in 2025, every Georgia high school will be eligible to apply for grants to launch or bolster girls flag football programs ahead of the 2025 season. Additionally, high school tackle football teams will have the opportunity to receive up to 50 Guardian Caps per school, in partnership with the NFL Foundation. Guardian Caps are designed to improve player safety by reducing helmet impact during practices.

A Legacy of Growth in Girls Flag Football

The Falcons have been instrumental in the expansion of girls flag football in Georgia. What began as a pilot program for 19 high schools in Gwinnett County in 2018 has now grown into a statewide movement. This fall, more than 7,000 girls participated in flag football at over 270 high schools across Georgia, underscoring the program’s resounding success.

Greg Beadles, President of the Atlanta Falcons, emphasized the organization’s long-standing commitment to fostering the sport:

“We are honored to continue to play a role in fueling the growth of high school football throughout our state for young men and women. Arthur Blank, his family foundation, and the Atlanta Falcons recognize the profound impact football has on all those involved. We hope this is a positive step in increasing participation of the game we are all so passionate about and ensuring a safer, stronger football experience at the high school level.”

Improving Safety with Guardian Caps

To promote health and safety in high school tackle football, the Falcons will provide Guardian Caps to participating schools. Guardian Caps, engineered for impact reduction, add a padded, soft-shell layer to the exterior of helmets, helping to mitigate the force of collisions. Created in 2010 by Erin and Lee Hanson, these caps are already being used by 13% of Georgia high school football teams during practices, according to the Georgia High School Association (GHSA).

Tim Scott, Executive Director of the GHSA, expressed his gratitude for the Falcons’ ongoing contributions:

“We are incredibly grateful for the partnership we have with the Atlanta Falcons and the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation. The success and growth of flag football in the Georgia High School Association would not be possible without the support we receive from these outstanding organizations. Thanks to their generosity, our teams now have the opportunity to be equipped with Guardian Caps, and our schools can both start and strengthen their flag football programs. This continued collaboration enables us to provide the best possible experience for our student-athletes in Georgia.”

Looking Ahead to 2025

The initiatives will take effect in 2025, with an interest form for grant applications being distributed to Georgia high schools on Monday, January 6, 2025. By making these resources available, the Falcons and the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation aim to create new opportunities for athletes and enhance the overall high school football experience.

With these initiatives, the Atlanta Falcons solidify their role as a driving force in advancing the game of football for young men and women across Georgia, promoting both participation and safety at the high school level.