Buffalo Bills and NFL Foundation – LISC Grassroots Field Grant Program Support Development of New Community Football Field in Buffalo

The Buffalo Bills, in partnership with the NFL Foundation and the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), today announced that Buffalo Academy of Science Charter School (BASCS) has received a grant through the NFL Foundation-LISC Grassroots Field Grant Program to support the installation of a synthetic turf field at BASCS Middle School in Buffalo, NY.

This field will serve BASCS Middle School students for physical education classes as well as football programming, after-school programs, and league, intramural and junior varsity games. The new field will allow the school to offer both a modified tackle football program and a modified girls flag football program.

"This field will give our students and community youth more opportunities to stay active, build confidence, and experience the teamwork and belonging that school sports can offer," said Dr. Joseph B Polat, Executive Director of BASCS.

"From daily physical education to modified tackle football and girls' flag football, it will support growth that extends beyond the classroom. We are grateful to the NFL Foundation Grassroots Program and the Paul A. Saffrin Foundation for investing in our students and creating new opportunities for young people in Buffalo."

The NFL Foundation and LISC have partnered for nearly three decades to help young people stay active and healthy by creating safe, accessible places to play through the development of community football fields. Since the program's inception, more than $70 million has been distributed to community organizations and schools across the country, resulting in the construction or refurbishment of nearly 500 fields nationwide.

"For nearly 30 years, the NFL Foundation and LISC have helped expand access to safe, high-quality places for young people to play, grow and connect," said Alexia Gallagher, NFL Vice President of Philanthropy and Executive Director of the NFL Foundation. "Through the Grassroots Field Grant Program, we are proud to support local leaders who are creating healthier communities and opening more pathways for youth to experience the benefits of football."

LISC identifies local nonprofit and community-based agencies interested in building or refurbishing football fields in schools and neighborhood parks. Through the program, local agencies receive the necessary financing and technical assistance to improve the quality and safety of fields in their communities. The agencies oversee the construction, maintenance and programming for each field.