NFL Grassroots Grant Ribbon Cutting at University Academy

When we think of community development, the obvious elements come to mind first: streets, business, sidewalks, and buildings. It’s easy to overlook the people – the faces of a neighborhood. Greater Kansas City LISC is committed to both the people and the place, and that’s why we are a proud partner of the NFL Grassroots program, a partnership with the NFL Foundation.

This year, University Academy, located at 68^th and Holmes was one of only 17 schools across the country to receive an NFL Grassroots grant. They received the maximum grant amount of $250,000 to install a new synthetic turf, replacing what once was an unleveled field with rocks and potholes – an unsafe place for their athletes to practice.

As an organization committed to safety and revitalization of distressed neighborhoods, Greater Kansas City LISC sees this project as a critical improvement in Kansas City. “Our mission at LISC is to help build healthy and resilient communities of opportunity and choice – good places to live, work, do business, visit and raise families,” said Maurice Jones, LISC’s national president and CEO. “Developing quality recreational assets and experiences is a key part of that journey, and the NFL has been a committed partner in making that happen.

Since 1998, the NFL Grassroots program has committed nearly $43 million to support football field renovations and improvements including irrigation systems, lights, bleachers, scoreboards, goal posts and turf.