Followers of 4 traditionally black schools and universities will cheer from the edges of freshly refurbished fields this fall due to $6.5 million in grants from Atlanta Falcons proprietor Arthur Clean.
In a game-changing transfer for HBCU athletics, Atlanta Falcons proprietor Arthur Clean is stepping as much as the sector with a $6.5 million funding to revitalize student-athletes’ soccer experiences.
Albany State College, Clark Atlanta College, Miles School, and Savannah State College are the recipients of the HBCU Invitational Subject Refurbished Program grant, which the Arthur M. Clean Household Basis funded. The grant was open to pick HBCUs in Georgia and Alabama.
In keeping with a joint assertion by the AMBFF, the NFL Basis, and the Native Initiative Assist Company, the invitational grant program is “designed to enhance discipline high quality, security, and accessibility for college kids and area people teams serving youth by way of soccer.”
“The HBCU Invitational Subject Refurbishment Program is one in every of some ways the NFL is deepening its dedication to HBCUs,” mentioned Alexia Gallagher, NFL VP of Philanthropy and Government Director of the NFL Basis. “We’re excited to offer sources for scholar athletes on the chosen establishments to play the sport of soccer to the most effective of their potential whereas creating equal alternatives for all.”
Miles School is utilizing its share of the donation to transform its pure grass observe facility to turf; Albany State College will do the identical with its grass soccer and soccer discipline, whereas Clark Atlanta and Savannah State will change their present turk fields.
“The optimistic impression of athletics is a driving power all through our portfolio of companies,” mentioned AMB Sports activities and Leisure CEO Wealthy McKay. “Arthur Clean and his Household Basis acknowledge and prioritize neighborhood impression by way of sport, and supporting these historic establishments is a pure extension of our values. We’re honored to companion with LISC, the NFL Basis, and these universities to boost the enjoying surfaces, with the shared purpose of making extra alternatives for the scholars and surrounding communities alike.”
LISC manages the grant program and has refurbished a whole lot of neighborhood soccer fields during the last 25 years.
“Due to the Arthur M. Clean Basis and the NFL Basis, we’re capable of ship capital and technical experience to establishments that supply large worth to college students however that won’t have the kinds of endowments that bigger universities have,” mentioned Michael T. Pugh, LISC president and CEO. “With entry to versatile sources, the faculties are capable of make updates and upgrades which may not in any other case be potential—creating alternatives that profit not simply the establishments themselves, however enhance the well being and well-being of scholars and neighborhood members as nicely.”
Clark Atlanta and Albany State will showcase their new fields for residence video games on Saturday, September 7, whereas Savannah State’s new turf will debut on Saturday, September 14.
