Colts helping train high school coaches

Thanks to $40,000 donated by the Indianapolis Colts, USA Football’s Heads Up Football safety program will be offered to all Indiana high school football coaches in 2015.

The Colts’ financial assistance marks the first time an NFL team has offered to pay for coaches’ training at every football-playing high school in an entire state. In addition, the Colts will present 10 high school and youth football teams each with a $1,000 Jim Irsay Equipment Grant.

“Supporting youth and high school football is one of the integral parts of our team’s mission,” Colts Vice Chairwoman Kalen Irsay said in a statement. “As we work to make the game safer at all levels, we are excited to partner with USA Football, the [Indiana High School Athletic Association] and the Indiana Football Coaches Association on this effort to provide Heads Up Football training to Indiana high school coaches.”

Scott Hallenbeck, USA Football executive director, said, “This strong act of generosity and leadership shown by the Colts, the IHSAA and the IFCA is being noticed throughout the country’s high school football community.”

Heads Up Football is used by more than 750 high schools and about 5,500 youth leagues nationwide.