Members of the Shelton Pop Warner team will have some added protection when their season starts next month.
That’s because the organization got a grant for 24 new high-tech football helmets.
The grant for the new helmets — the model is called the Schutt Recruit Hybrid — was obtained via the National Pop Warner program.
Erin Candler, who heads up fundraising for Shelton Pop Warner, spearheaded the grant application and said the grant would help offset the cost of the safer equipment.
“As a not-for-profit organization, we rely heavily on donations, volunteers and grants to run this program,” Candler said. “Safety is our top priority; this grant goes a long way in offsetting the expense of fitting the kids with proper helmets.”
In the photo above, Shelton team members show off the new equipment. Back row, left to right: Matt Civale, Cameron Boyce, Mason Stanko. Front row: Kyle Miller, Liam O’Hara, Joey Gigliotti, Gammy Corea, Tanner Chernowski.
The new helmets have some impressive features.
The Schutt Recruit Hybrid helmet features TPU front and crown cushions, vinyl-nitrite side and back padding, SUREFIT slots, and a vinyl comfort liner.
The jaw pads on the Recruit Hybrid also feature Air Maxx TPU along with a soft vinyl-covered jaw pad, combining protection and comfort.
“All football helmets are reconditioned each year and helmets that are too old have to be replaced,” said Tim Monteleone, the president of Shelton Pop Warner. “The helmets were received this week from Schutt and will be fitted with logos for the upcoming season, which begins August 1.”
Shelton was one of only 22 Pop Warner associations nationwide chosen to receive the helmets through the grant program.
Pop Warner National and its sponsors provide local Associations with the opportunity to receive equipment and funds through the Pop Warner Equipment & Apparel Grant Program.
The grant programs are offered at the national level and are, by no means, the only sources of grants for Pop Warner associations.
Pop Warner encourages its leagues, associations and teams to seek partnerships and sponsorships with local businesses and to apply for any eligible grants.
Schutt® Sports is the world’s leading maker of football helmets and faceguards. Three out of four professional football players take the field wearing Schutt® gear designs. The company was founded in 1918 and is based in Litchfield, Ill.
For more information visit www.schuttsports.com
Shelton Pop Warner is part of Southern Connecticut Pop Warner, which includes teams from 20 southern Connecticut towns.
Teams compete against towns like Derby, Seymour, Trumbull, Stratford, Fairfield, and Milford. Home games are played at Gracie Field (behind the old Lafayette school). Shelton Pop Warner is a non-profit organization. For more information visit www.sheltonpopwarner.com
