Sport England - Movement Fund has provided £5,000 of match funding
Youth American Football in Manchester
Manchester, Greater Manchester, United Kingdom
£10,080
raised so far
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Aim
Our project aim is to provide new equipment for youth players—boosting safety, increasing participation, and easing costs for families.
Who are we?
Since 2003, the Manchester Titans American Football Club has been more than just a team—it’s been a movement. Born from a deep love for the sport and a commitment to developing players of all ages, the Titans have built a thriving community both on and off the field.
Our mission is bold: to showcase the life-changing power of staying active and to raise the profile of American Football across the UK. Through exciting events, inclusive training camps, and youth programs that ignite passion and build confidence, we’re inspiring the next generation of athletes right here in Greater Manchester.
Thanks to an outstanding recruitment drive in late 2024, our U16 and U19 teams have expanded to their largest squads ever—an incredible milestone for both groups! This surge in talent and enthusiasm translated into a phenomenal season, with both teams powering their way into the playoffs. The future is bright, and the momentum is undeniable.
Now, we’re calling on you to be part of our journey. With your support, we can expand our reach, grow the game, and continue making a lasting impact in our community.
Why are we crowdfunding?
Since our founding in 2003, the Titans have grown into a thriving community club, expanding to include an under-16s team in 2006 and an under-19s team in 2009. These youth teams are a vital stepping stone into our adult contact squad, and they play a key role in nurturing long-term participation in American football.
To make the sport accessible, we provide helmets and shoulder pads to all under-16 and under-19 players—removing the financial barrier that often prevents young people from joining. This means players can start at age 13 without needing to invest in expensive kit until they transition to the adult team.
However, with growth comes challenge. In 2025, we had to borrow equipment from local universities just to ensure every player was safely kitted out. Now, we urgently need to purchase additional helmets and shoulder pads—not only to accommodate new players, but also to replace aging helmets that have reached the end of their 10-year safety lifespan.
At the Titans, we believe that every player—regardless of background—deserves the opportunity to play safely and confidently. This crowdfunding campaign will help us uphold that belief by ensuring all our athletes have access to high-quality equipment, while allowing us to welcome even more individuals into the sport.
We’re proud to be supported by Sport England’s Movement Fund, which will match every pound we raise—up to £5,000. With your help, we can continue building a club where everyone belongs.
How we’ll spend the money raised
By the end of 2025, 12 of our helmets will reach the end of their certified 10-year safety lifespan and must be retired. To ensure our players remain protected and to welcome new athletes into the sport, we urgently need to replace this essential kit.
Funds raised will be used to:
- Replace 12 expired helmets to maintain player safety and meet standards (£4,800).
- Purchase 8 additional helmets and 8 sets of shoulder pads to equip new players joining our club (£4,800).
- Purchase additional helmet accessories (cheek pads, liners, etc) for our remaining helmets (£400).
- Eliminate financial barriers by providing kit, ensuring that anyone—regardless of background—can participate in American football.
This investment will help us build a safer, more inclusive, and thriving community of athletes.
Community impact
Our vision is to grow American football within the local area—not just by recruiting players, but by inspiring community involvement through volunteering, coaching, and team support roles. We want the sport to be a shared experience that brings people together, both on and off the field.
This project will benefit the community in several key ways:
- Enhancing player safety by replacing expired helmets with modern, certified equipment—reducing injury risk and promoting a secure playing environment.
- Expanding access by purchasing additional helmets and shoulder pads, allowing new players to join and experience the sport without delay.
- Fostering inclusion by removing the financial burden of equipment costs, ensuring that individuals from all backgrounds can participate fully.
- Building community engagement by creating opportunities for people to get involved as volunteers, coaches, and team managers—strengthening local connections and pride.
- Supporting youth development by keeping young adults active and engaged during a critical life stage when physical activity often declines. Early involvement helps cultivate lifelong habits of fitness, teamwork, and resilience.
Ultimately, this project empowers people of all ages and backgrounds to connect, grow, and thrive through sport—making American football a vibrant and inclusive part of our community.
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. Help us keep the drive alive - your support keeps our momentum going strong! All donations over £10 will be entered into a prize draw for Titans merchandise and 2026 season tickets.
2. Spread the word. Get the word out on your socials and encourage others to stand with us. Together, we can build unstoppable support!
3. Offer rewards. Support us by offering products or services we can share with our community—and we’ll make sure your business gets the recognition it deserves. We can offer businesses space at our home game days to sell your products, so get in touch through our socials.
4. Fundraise for us. Thinking of running your own fundraiser? Whether it’s a sponsored activity or something creative, just click ‘Contact Project’ at the top of our page. It only takes a few minutes to set up, and no bank info is required.
Funding method
Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made