Riddell’s ground-breaking three-year partnership (through 2011) with USA Football marks its first with a national governing body and represents its most significant foray into the youth football community, composed of approximately 3.0 million players and more than 120,000 teams.

Independent non-profit USA Football, based near Washington, D.C., conducts more than 100 annual football training events nationwide offering education for coaches and game officials, skill development for players and resources for youth football league administrators. USA Football members – coaches, game officials and league administrators – reside in every state and the District of Columbia.

Riddell, whose equipment is worn by more than 80% of NFL players, will be woven into USA Football’s 12-month calendar of national events and initiatives including:
- USA Football National Teams: outfit America’s national teams in football for international competitions
- USA Football Coaching Schools: full-day coaching clinics exclusively designed for volunteer youth football coaches
- USA Football Player Academies: three-day player camps for youngsters aged 9-14

The partnership gives Riddell the exclusive right to provide helmets and protective equipment for USA Football’s 2009 Junior National Team, America’s first high school-aged national team in football. Team USA will compete among an eight-nation field spanning four continents at the 2009 International Federation of American Football (IFAF) Junior World Championship in Canton, Ohio’s Pro Football Hall of Fame Field at Fawcett Stadium from June 27-July 5. More than 50 nations have national federations dedicated exclusively to American Football.

“USA Football is a terrific fit for Riddell with its large and dedicated membership attending first-class football training events nationwide,” said Riddell President DAN ARMENT. “This partnership will have an immediate positive impact for us within football’s passionate grassroots community. It also represents a further extension of our commitment and involvement in youth football, and we’re truly honored to be an integral part of the USA Football Junior National Team.”

“Welcoming an industry leader like Riddell into the USA Football family is a tremendous source of excitement for us,” said USA Football Executive Director SCOTT HALLENBECK. “We’re proud to place Riddell equipment on our national teams and to provide their high-quality equipment to the hundreds of youth and school-based football programs that benefit from our equipment grants. We highly value our new and dynamic Riddell relationship.”

About USA Football

USA Football conducts more than 100 football training events annually to strengthen the game on youth and amateur levels. USA Football members – coaches, game officials and league administrators – reside in all 50 states. The independent non-profit based near Washington, D.C., manages U.S. national teams within the sport for international competitions and has provided more than $1.5 million in equipment grants for youth leagues and high school football programs since 2006. USA Football was started by the NFL and NFLPA in 2002 through the NFL Youth Football Fund and is chaired by former U.S. Congressman and professional quarterback Jack Kemp. For more, visit usafootball.com.

Download the Official Press Release PDF”

Contact:
Christie Burgner Shein
MSLGROUP
(312) 861-5237
christie.shein@mslgroup.com

Riddell is revered throughout the NFL and NCAA for its industry-leading protective wear. The technology built into helmets such as the Revolution Speed, for instance – worn by many NFL and college football players – is shown to reduce the incidence of concussion by nearly a third.

“Riddell is pleased to be a part of the American Youth Football organization,” said Dan Arment, president of Riddell. “We recognize the importance of protection for players of all ages and we embrace AYF’s belief in creating an atmosphere where all kids deserve equal opportunities, special attention and respect.”

Riddell will be offering its protective technologies in the form of helmets and shoulder pads, in addition to comprehensive tutorials and educational information aimed at players, parents, coaches and administrators alike.

“AYF is excited to have football’s most respected protective equipment company on board,” said Jessica Abramovich, Executive Director of American Youth Football. “Our players will benefit from this partnership, as it fulfills our continued mission to provide them with the highest level of protection.”

About American Youth Football

American Youth Football, Inc. (AYF) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation, and National Youth Partner of the National Football League. AYF provides support services, scholarships, grants, “Giving Back” programs and tournaments to over 500,000 youth members. Representing participants in over 2000 cities, AYF is the only youth football program with members in all 50 states and several countries worldwide. AYF is committed to Giving Back and since its inception in 1996, has successfully donated over $14 million dollars in grants and athletic product to communities that support youth football. AYF offers all-inclusive football and cheer divisions enabling every child a place and an opportunity to play. Visit www.americanyouthfootball.com for more information.

Download the Official Press Release PDF

Contact:
Christie Burgner Shein
MSLGROUP
(312) 861-5237
christie.shein@mslgroup.com

CHICAGO – Dec. 12, 2011 – Riddell, the official helmet of the National Football League®, and the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA) announced today an exclusive partnership to provide educational programs for athletic administrators. This partnership works to raise awareness of innovative equipment, technology and services among coaches and parents and furthers the organizations’ joint commitment to protecting football players at every level.

The NIAAA, an independent non-profit organization based in Indianapolis, promotes positive working relationships with state athletic administrators and state and national athletic associations. As a strategic partner of the NIAAA and recognized leader in helmet technology and innovation, Riddell will ensure that certified athletic administrators and athletic programs across the U.S. stay informed on the most important issues affecting athlete protection on the field.

“The NIAAA is a terrific organizational fit for Riddell. We share many of the same goals with its dedicated members such as our focus on improving junior high and high school athletic programs,” said Dan Arment, president of Riddell Sports. “This partnership will have a direct positive impact for players and parents and represents a further extension of our commitment to football programs nationwide.”

Riddell, whose equipment is worn by players at all levels, will be woven into the NIAAA’s 12-month calendar of national events and initiatives. Riddell will provide educational opportunities for athletic administrators and directors on key issues such as proper helmet fitting, return-to-play counsel, helmet reconditioning and recertification services, safety standards and procedures, and emerging technologies.

“The NIAAA is excited to have football’s most respected protective sports equipment company as a partner,” said Bruce Whitehead, executive director of the NIAAA. “Our partnership with Riddell will help support the vital role of interscholastic athletics in the educational system, demonstrating how essential on-field leadership, sportsmanship and player safety is to students’ football experience.”

Riddell will offer the NIAAA its industry-leading protective technologies in the form of helmets and shoulder pads as well as comprehensive tutorials and educational resources for athletic administrators, coaches, parents and players throughout the year.

For more information about Riddell Sports, visit riddell.com. For more information about the National
Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association, visit niaaa.org.

About Riddell
Founded in 1929, Riddell is a premier designer and developer of protective sports equipment and a recognized leader in helmet technology and innovation. One of Easton-Bell Sports, Inc.’s most well-known brands and the Official Helmet of the NFL®, Riddell is the leading manufacturer of football helmets, shoulder pads and reconditioning services (cleaning, repairing, repainting and recertifying existing equipment).

About Easton-Bell Sports, Inc.
Easton-Bell Sports, Inc. is a leading designer, developer and marketer of branded sports equipment, protective products and related accessories. The company markets and licenses products under such well-known brands as Easton, Bell, Giro, Riddell and Blackburn. Its products incorporate leading technology and designs and are used by professional athletes and enthusiasts alike. Headquartered in Van Nuys, California, the company has 31 facilities worldwide. More information is available at www.eastonbellsports.com.

About the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association
The National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Associatio preserves, enhances and promotes the educational values of interscholastic athletics through the professional development of its members in the areas of education, leadership, and service. The NIAAA’s commitment to leadership programs, resources and services support the athletic administrator’s efforts in providing quality athletic participation opportunities for students. The NIAAA promotes a positive working relationship with state athletic administrator and State and national athletic/activity associations in addition to developing strategic alliances with other education based agencies.

ROSEMONT, Ill., Feb. 14, 2012 — Riddell Sports, the official helmet of the National Football League®, announced today that it has renewed its partnership with USA Football, the sport’s national governing body in the United States.

As USA Football’s official football helmet and protective equipment partner, Riddell will continue its role of fulfilling USA Football’s annual $1 million equipment grant program to youth and high school football programs, help facilitate USA Football’s skill development events for coaches and players and assist in generating awareness for the most important issues affecting athletes on the field.

USA Football and Riddell established their partnership in 2009, marking Riddell’s first relationship with a sport’s national governing body and its most significant foray into youth football, a community composed of approximately 3 million players and 120,000 teams. The renewed partnership will continue through 2016.

“During the past three years, USA Football and Riddell have worked together to foster the sport’s growth, inspire participation and ensure positive experiences for all youth and amateur athletes,” said Dan Arment, president of Riddell Sports. “Our renewed partnership with USA Football will focus on promoting the game and will bring attention to how players can best protect themselves while playing. We believe a combination of strategies – ranging from educational programs to rule changes to updated coaching techniques, along with the most innovative equipment – is what it takes to best protect those who play the game.”

Indianapolis-based USA Football is the official youth football development partner of the NFL, the NFL Players Association and each of the league’s 32 teams and is the only organization to earn this responsibility in the league’s 92-year history. It conducts more than 80 annual football training events across the U.S., offering education for coaches and game officials, skill development for players, and resources for youth football league commissioners. USA Football members reside in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

“We are proud to continue our partnership with Riddell, the industry leader in player protection,” said Scott Hallenbeck, executive director of USA Football. “Our relationship will continue to be instrumental in helping America’s football community play smarter and safer as well as provide the most innovative equipment available to players.”

Riddell, whose leading protective equipment is worn by players at every level of the game, continues to partner with USA Football to develop and implement a variety of important initiatives, including:

U.S. National Teams: Riddell will outfit U.S. national teams in football for international competitions to ensure that America’s athletes wear the most advanced protective equipment available. U.S. national teams are assembled and managed by USA Football, America’s delegate to the International Federation of American Football (IFAF), comprised of more than 60 countries spanning six continents.

Performance and Protection Tour: Riddell and USA Football will visit several key football markets in 2012 to teach youth football players, parents, coaches and league commissioners about proper helmet fitting and tackling techniques.

USA Football Coaching Schools: Conducted by USA Football in partnership with many NFL teams, these single-day coaching clinics are facilitated by Riddell in offering proper equipment fitting instruction to help ensure a positive football experience for America’s 3 million youth tackle football players. Participants also receive player health and concussion education materials from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

USA Football State Leadership Forums: Conducted by USA Football in partnership with many NFL teams, these meetings of youth football league commissioners throughout a state or region discuss best practices from Riddell in the areas of equipment fitting instruction. Participants also receive player health and concussion education materials from the CDC.

USA Football Equipment Grant Program: USA Football fulfills $1 million in football equipment grants annually for youth and high school football programs based on merit and need. Riddell’s industry leading products account for all protective equipment awarded to grantees.

For more information about Riddell Sports, visit www.riddell.com. For more information about USA Football, visit www.usafootball.com.

About Riddell
Founded in 1929, Riddell is a premier designer and developer of protective sports equipment and a recognized leader in helmet technology and innovation. One of Easton-Bell Sports, Inc.’s most well-known brands and the Official Helmet of the NFL®, Riddell is the leading manufacturer of football helmets, shoulder pads and reconditioning services (cleaning, repairing, repainting and recertifying existing equipment).

About USA Football
USA Football, the sport’s national governing body in the United States, hosts more than 80 football skill development events annually for coaches, players and youth football league commissioners. USA Football partners with the NFL, collegiate football conferences, and the National Federation of State High School Associations to advance the sport on grassroots levels. Indianapolis-based USA Football manages U.S. national teams for international competition and was endowed by the NFL and NFLPA in 2002 through the NFL Youth Football Fund. Former NFL team executive Carl Peterson is USA Football’s chairman.

Contact:
Erin Griffin
224.585.5231
eegriffin@riddellsports.com

Youth, middle school and high school football programs can apply for football equipment and uniform grants from USA Football, the sport’s national governing body in the United States. The online application resides at usafootball.com.

Based on merit and need, USA Football awards $1 million annually in football equipment and uniform grants to assist and further strengthen America’s grassroots football community. USA Football’s grant program has assisted the youth and high school football programs since 2006 and will have awarded more than $5 million worth of football equipment by the end of 2012. The program is made possible through the NFL Youth Football Fund.

Youth leagues that are 501(c)(3) compliant and schools may submit applications through 11:59 p.m. ET on May 18 at http://www2.usafootball.com/grants. Applications must be submitted online.

More than 3 million children age 6-14 and 1.1 million high school students play organized tackle football, placing it among the country’s most popular youth and scholastic participatory sports.

Each selected youth league and middle school program receives a $1,000 package that offers a variety of football equipment and uniform options. High schools receive similar packages valued at $1,500. Grants are fulfilled by Riddell, the official helmet and protective equipment partner of USA Football, and Rawlings, the official uniform partner of USA Football.

USA Football is the official youth football development partner of the NFL, its 32 teams and the NFLPA. The NFL Youth Football Fund is a nonprofit foundation created by the NFL and the NFL Players Association to promote positive youth development, support youth and high school football needs nationwide and ensure the health of grassroots football.

Effective in 2012, any helmet 10 years old or older will not be reconditioned or recertified by a National Athletic Equipment Reconditioning Association (NAERA) member. Youth leagues and schools may employ USA Football grants to follow NAERA’s new football helmet reconditioning protocols.

“USA Football is committed to player safety,” USA Football Executive Director SCOTT HALLENBECK said. “Our equipment grants help youth leagues and scholastic programs continue to make positive differences in young people’s lives through America’s favorite sport. Even with successful fundraisers, some organizations may find challenges in properly equipping their teams. We’re proud to help ensure great football experiences with support from the NFL Youth Football Fund.”

Independent nonprofit USA Football offers innovative programs and development resources to further strengthen America’s football community. USA Football members – players, coaches, youth league commissioners and game officials – reside in all 50 states and 49 foreign countries.

About the NFL Youth Football Fund: Established in 1998 by the NFL and the NFL Players Association, the NFL Youth Football Fund seeks to use football as a catalyst to promote positive youth development, support youth and high school football needs nationwide and ensure the health of amateur football participation. Through the YFF’s youth football initiatives and support programs, young athletes are provided with opportunities to learn the game of football, get physically fit and stay involved in productive after-school activities with adult mentors. For more information, visit http://www.nflyff.org.

About USA Football: USA Football, the sport’s national governing body in the United States, hosts more than 100 football training events annually offering education for coaches and game officials, skill development for players and resources for youth football league commissioners. The independent nonprofit is the official youth football development partner of the NFL and its 32 teams. Indianapolis-based USA Football manages U.S. national teams within the sport for international competition. Endowed by the NFL and NFLPA in 2002 through the NFL Youth Football Fund, USA Football (www.usafootball.com) is chaired by former NFL team executive Carl Peterson.