Sports
Detroit Sports Commission partners to bring flag football to Detroit-area middle schools
![Detroit Sports Commission partners to bring flag football to Detroit-area middle schools Detroit Sports Commission partners to bring flag football to Detroit-area middle schools](https://www.gannett-cdn.com/authoring/authoring-images/2024/07/23/PDTN/74516946007-blobid-0-1721741627880.jpg?auto=webp&crop=2821,1587,x0,y147&format=pjpg&width=1200)
Detroit football fans will have the chance to win a trip to Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans in 2025, with a collaboration between the Detroit Sports Commission, non-profit GENYOUth and Alltroo.
These organizations are bringing flag football to Detroit middle schools. The goal of this project is to create equal opportunities for physical activities and sports with the Detroit community. Also, it aims to give girls in athletics a supportive space to learn and play sports.
“As an important element of the Detroit Sports Commission’s Living Legacy Initiative born from our 2024 NFL Draft commitment to promoting youth sports in the Detroit area, we are excited to partner with GENYOUth to expand opportunities for flag football in middle schools and also increase opportunities for girls to participate in athletics,” said Dave Beachnau, executive director of the Detroit Sports Commission.
The initiative will provide middle schools in Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties with NFL Flag-in-School kits, with the objective of helping students be more active, learning to play flag football, and opening the opportunity for the youth to continue their sports interests in local NFL FLAG leagues.
“By equipping schools with these vital resources, we are planting the seeds of athletic dreams and lifelong fitness. Every kit represents a chance for a student to discover their potential, build teamwork skills, and develop a love for the game,” said Ann Marie Krautheim, CEO of GENYOUth. “It’s about more than just playing a sport; it’s about shaping future leaders, building community, and inspiring the next generation to reach for greatness both on and off the field!”
Fundraising for this project will be through a platform called Alltroo, co-founded by former NFL player Kyle Rudolph, NHL player Jason Zucker and with co-founders of Athletes for MN Kids, Jon Walburg and Joel Kunza. Alltroo gives back to the community through charitable fundraising and over the years has raised over $4 million for charities.
According to GENYOUth and the Detroit Sports Commission, in total GENYOUth has provided 37,000 NFL FLAG-In-School kits around the world for 17 million students, with the support of the NFL Foundation and with the Detroit Lions’ support, more than 270 area schools and 115,000 students have engaged in flag football through the NFL FLAG-in-School program in Michigan.
With continuing donation efforts, the Detroit Lions Foundation received a 3-year grant of $325,000 from the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation this year. The purpose of this grant is to help increase funding for southeast Michigan schools looking to begin middle and high school flag football.
“Football has always been the most genuine way to express myself since childhood,” said Detroit Lions receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown. “I’m proud that the Lions and the city of Detroit are creating more opportunities for our local youth to get involved through flag football, allowing them to be active, learn essential life skills and grow their love for the game.”
While donating, sports fans have an opportunity to win two tickets to Super Bowl LIX, two VIP tickets to national nonprofit GENYOUth’s Taste of the NFL culinary event, and flights and hotel accommodations for you and a guest.
“Alltroo rallies sports fans to give back while helping make their dreams come true,” said Kyle Rudolph, former NFL tight end and co-founder of Alltroo. “We’re excited to give fans the opportunity to support this worthy cause along with GENYOUth and the Detroit Sports Commission and get a chance to win one of the biggest dreams of all: a trip to the Super Bowl.”