Rookie players ready: New Football helmets project

Who are we?

As one of only two American football teams in Lincolnshire, we are committed to providing opportunities for people of all ages and demographics to experience and enjoy the sport. Founded in 2005, our club has grown significantly over the years, with a successful academy established in 2015. We successfully rebuilt our U17 team in 2024, and our commitment to player development is exemplified by former players progressing to the GB setup and receiving scholarships to play and study in the USA. Despite our growth and restructuring efforts, our club faces a pressing challenge due to the high cost of American football equipment, which is unique to the sport and often imported from the USA. 

Why are we crowdfunding?

Entering our 20th anniversary as a club in 2025 we want to continue providing players the opportunity to try a new exciting and underrated sport. Our club’s recent efforts have led to a remarkable increase in both adult and youth player numbers (+25 adults and +15 youth, including 3 children from foster families) recruited during the 2024 season. We have successfully rebuilt our U17 team from scratch, and our commitment to player development is exemplified by our former players progressing to the GB setup and receiving scholarships to play and study in the USA. Despite our growth and restructuring efforts, our club faces a pressing challenge due to the high cost of American football equipment, which is unique to the sport and often imported from the USA.

To ensure safety and continued participation, we aim to provide helmets and shoulder pads to all new adult players and all under 18 players (new or returning) to encourage them to try or continue within the sport without large financial outlays.

 Unfortunately, due to the age of many of our helmets (10 years is the legal safe use for American football helmets) we need to replace unsafe equipment that has reached its 10-year life. The cost of helmets and shoulder pads is approximately £500 for adults and £350 for U18s, we have a large stock of shoulder pads to provide players. Alongside league registration and club costs, this expense can deter new players and their families from trying the sport, particularly in Lincolnshire, a county known for low wages and disadvantaged families.

How we’ll spend the money raised

In 2024 our club loaned helmets to 15 brand-new adult players and 15 academy players; 10 of these academy helmets were brand new & purchased using a local sports grant. However, American football helmets have a finite life of 10 years safe usage, this was the last season of for many of these helmets. 13 adult helmets and 5 academy helmets will reach their usage limit at the end of 2024. To maintain the safety of our academy players and to be able to welcome new players into our club and sport, we need to replace these 18 helmets immediately.

This project aims to secure funding to:

• Replace the 18 helmets that will expire at the end of 2024.
• Purchase an additional 17 helmets to accommodate 17 new players, primarily academy players, enabling them to experience American football.
• Allow the Lincolnshire Bombers to create an Under 19 American football team in Lincolnshire for 2025 and provide all new players with modern safe equipment.
• Remove financial barriers for new players, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their financial situation, can experience and participate in American football.

Community impact

Expected project Impacts are:

• Increased Player Safety: Replacing the expired helmets ensures that all new players have access to safe, modern equipment, reducing the risk of injury and promoting a safe playing environment.
• Increased Participation: With the new helmets, we can welcome a minimum of 15 new adult players each season, expanding the reach of American football in our community. Alongside out current academy helmets this project would allow our club to create the only Under 19 American Football team in Lincolnshire.
• Promote Inclusivity: By removing the financial barrier of equipment costs, we can attract and retain players who might otherwise be excluded from the sport, fostering a diverse and inclusive environment.
• Support youth Player Retention: Providing quality equipment helps to keep players engaged and committed to the sport and removing the financial burden felt by parent or the care system. Helping to counter the trend of young people dropping out of competitive sports before the age of 18.

How you can play your part

There are four simple ways to help us reach our target, and make this project a reality.

1. Make a pledge. Don’t delay if you’re going to support us because momentum is key to our success!

2. Spread the word. Share our project on your social media pages and tell the world to get behind us! The more people we reach, the more support we will get.

3. Offer rewards. Get involved if you are a local business by donating things we can offer to our supporters. We will give you a shout out!

4. Fundraise for us. If you want to run your own fundraiser – maybe a sponsored activity or similar – use the 'contact project' button at the top of our page to let us know. Setting up your own page only takes a few minutes and you won’t need any bank details. Just a fun idea!