Curated News
By: NewsRamp Editorial Staff
July 17, 2026
NFL and American Heart Association Award Grants to Boost Youth Activity
TLDR
- NFL PLAY 60 grants give schools a competitive edge by funding equipment and programs to boost student activity and combat rising obesity.
- The American Heart Association and NFL award 164 schools in 44 states grants from a $350,000 annual investment to improve physical activity resources.
- These grants help children build lifelong healthy habits by removing barriers to physical activity, fostering a healthier future for all youth.
- Less than 1 in 4 US children get enough activity, but NFL PLAY 60 grants aim to change that with creative play solutions.
Impact - Why it Matters
This news matters because it directly addresses the alarming rise in childhood obesity and physical inactivity in the U.S. With fewer than 1 in 4 children getting enough exercise, the $350,000 investment in school grants can help remove barriers like lack of equipment and inclusive programs. For parents, educators, and communities, this initiative offers a tangible way to improve student health, potentially reversing trends that lead to long-term health issues such as heart disease and diabetes. By supporting schools in creating active environments, these grants empower the next generation to build lifelong healthy habits.
Summary
A new study published in the American Heart Association's flagship journal, Circulation, reveals a troubling trend: obesity among U.S. youth increased by approximately 30% between 1999 and 2023, with severe obesity rising by 50%. This alarming data underscores the urgent need for interventions to boost physical activity among children, as fewer than 1 in 4 currently meet recommended levels. In response, the American Heart Association and the National Football League (NFL) have awarded NFL PLAY 60 grants to 164 schools in 44 states through the Association’s school-based programs, Kids Heart Challenge™ and American Heart Challenge™. This marks the third round of grants in 2026, part of a $350,000 annual investment from the NFL to help schools address critical wellness needs, from equipment and recess enhancements to inclusive physical education resources.
“Children spend so much of their time in the classroom, which makes schools powerful allies in helping them build lifelong healthy habits,” said Nancy Brown, CEO of the American Heart Association. “With support from the NFL, we're proud to give schools additional opportunities to promote physical activity and student well-being.” NFL PLAY 60 encourages children to be active for at least 60 minutes a day, aligning with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans. Megan Mendoza, senior manager of social responsibility at the NFL, emphasized that access to space, equipment, and time often prevents kids from staying active. “These grants help remove barriers so more students get the chance to jump in and play,” she said.
The grants are part of a broader effort to combat rising obesity and inactivity. The American Heart Association, a relentless force changing the future of health, has partnered with the NFL for over a decade to promote youth wellness through the NFL PLAY 60 initiative. Schools can find more information and apply for future grants at heart.org/NFLPLAY60. With support from the NFL, this program aims to empower millions of youth to lead healthier lives by making physical activity a daily habit. The impact is clear: by investing in school-based programs, these organizations are tackling the root causes of the obesity epidemic and giving children the tools they need for a healthier future.
Source Statement
This curated news summary relied on content disributed by NewMediaWire. Read the original source here, NFL and American Heart Association Award Grants to Boost Youth Activity
