PROVIDENCE, RI - (March 29, 2023) – The Providence Gay Flag Football League (PVDGFFL) announced today that it is one of 25 organizations to be awarded the 2022 Bill Belichick Foundation Grant, which ‘recognizes deserving athletic communities or organizations in need of financial support.’

“We’re incredibly grateful to the Bill Belichick Foundation for their support,” said Chris Almonte, PVDGFFL’s Commissioner and Executive Director. “This grant will ensure that players throughout Rhode Island and the surrounding area have a chance to fall in love with the game of football and build meaningful relationships.”

Since being founded in 2018, PVDGFFL has welcomed hundreds of athletes of all sexual and gender identities, athletic abilities, ages, and backgrounds, providing a fun and community-based environment where players can develop new skills and strengthen ties to the LGBTQIA+ community.

The league is home to more than 200 players, who compete in Open and Women’s+ divisions, and also participate in regional and national tournaments. The PVDGFFL is part of the National Gay Flag Football League (NGFFL), which brings together more than 200 teams across 26 leagues in the U.S. and Canada under the motto “Compete. Connect. Unite.”

“For a decade, The Bill Belichick Foundation has given back through its grant and scholarship programs,” said Bill Belichick. “Entering our tenth year, we are proud to support 20 deserving student athletes and 25 exemplary sports programs with financial aid,” Belichick added. “We’re proud to have distributed nearly $3 million in grants and scholarships since the BBF’s inception in 2013.”

———

About the Providence Gay Flag Football League
The Providence Gay Flag Football League, a registered 501(c)(3) charitable organization, serves the Rhode Island LGBTQIA+ community. Founded in 2018, the organization's goal is to create a safe and inclusive environment where people, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, can participate in a competitive and friendly team sport, develop a social support system, and build lifelong friendships. In addition to football, the league has partnered with other area non-profit organizations to donate time and resources to improve the lives of LGBTQIA+ people in Rhode Island. Learn more at www.pvdgffl.org.

About the Bill Belichick Foundation
The Bill Belichick Foundation was established in 2013 to provide coaching, mentorship and financial support to individuals, communities and organizations. Focusing on football and lacrosse, its mission is to bring the values of the Belichick family – a love of sports, coaching and team building – to the athletic leaders of tomorrow. Bill Belichick, entering his 49th season as an NFL coach, has set a new standard for success in the NFL and is the only head coach in league history to capture six Super Bowl titles. The Bill Belichick Foundation has distributed nearly three million dollars since its inception to student athletes and athletic programs in need through its scholarship and grant programs. For more information on the Bill Belichick Foundation, please visit www.billbelichickfoundation.org.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Chris Almonte
Commissioner & Executive Director
Chris@pvdgffl.org
401-400-1094