USA Football, the sport's national governing body in the United States, and the Washington Redskins have recently awarded football equipment grants to youth and high school football programs throughout the Washington, D.C. area based on merit and need.

USA Football partners with the Redskins and all NFL clubs to award equipment grants to youth and school-based football programs across the United States.

The program has awarded more than $4 million in football equipment through the NFL Youth Football Fund since 2006.

Each selected youth league receives a $1,000 package that offers a variety of football equipment and uniform options to choose from.

Middle schools and high schools receive similar packages valued at $1,500. Equipment grants are fulfilled by USA Football partners Riddell (protective equipment) and Rawlings (uniforms and footballs).

"The Washington Redskins and the Washington Redskins Charitable Foundation are committed to providing young people in our area with the opportunity to safely play and enjoy the game of football," said Daniel Snyder, owner of the Redskins. "We are proud to partner with USA Football to provide these resources to local football programs to enhance the great work they are already doing with the youth in our community."

USA Football is the official youth football development partner of the Redskins, the NFL, each of the league's other 31 teams.

The NFL Youth Football Fund, a joint partnership created by the NFL and the NFL Players Association, provides for approximately 700 football programs to earn an equipment grant from USA Football and NFL teams this season.

"We are pleased to work with USA Football and our teams to donate much-needed equipment to youth and school-based football programs," said Alexia Gallagher, director of the NFL Youth Football Fund. "These grants will help ensure that young people who share our love of the game are able to play it safely."

"Even with multiple fundraisers and strict attention to budgets, many well-run youth and school-based football programs need help to properly equip their teams," USA Football Executive Director Scott Hallenbeck said. "We are proud to be a partner in the Redskins' continued commitment to ensuring great football experiences for the kids, families and volunteers who power this sport in the Washington, D.C. metro area."

Washington, D.C. area youth and school-based football programs awarded a 2011 USA Football Equipment Grant:

-- Dale City Sports Club, Triangle, Va.
-- Downtown Athletic Association, Suffolk, Va.
-- Ettrick Youth Sports Association, Petersburg, Va.
-- Jonesville Middle School, Jonesville, Va.
-- City of Danville - Sports and Athletics Dept., Danville, Va.