In week 13 of the NFL season, players had the opportunity to select nonproťt organizations to represent on the field.
TUFF appeared under the spotlights, receiving further exposure on a national−level, among nonprofits working in various fields of service.
The following NFL players chose to wear TUFF branded cleats:
⦁ Mason Cole − Pittsburgh Steelers, Center
⦁ Kwity Paye − Indianapolis Colts, Defensive End
⦁ Ben Bredeson − New York Giants, Offensive Guard
In interviews regarding the NFL’s initiative, Mason Cole spoke about his involvement at previous TUFF donations, recalling it as “special to see the glow on kid’s faces.” Read more here.
On November 6th, 2022 the top 50 middle
school football players faced off in the
Northeast Ohio All Star Game.
For the second time, the All Stars were
outfitted by TUFF, receiving jerseys, socks, and
mouthguards to help end their middle school
careers on a high note.
On November I7th, 2022, TUFF volunteer, Maura Shibley, traveled to East Technical High School in Cleveland, OH to deliver an exciting donation. We provided their women’s basketball team with new Adidas uniforms replacing worn−out equipment from six seasons of consecutive use
Coach Wimberly recently reflected on the donation in a conversation with our executive team. He discussed the ongoing issues within his players’ lives and the impact of the donation.
He acknowledged that, “We live and play in a rough neighborhood so we have to do everything in our power to succeed.” Continuing, he added, “Once they leave the school building, it’s rough in the nearby streets. We’re trying to prevent outside problems from leaking inside school and affecting the bright futures of our students.”
In regards to our donation, Coach Wimberly emphasized many of the sentiments behind TUFF’s mission and actions;
“The uniforms are an amazing gift. The team and school truly appreciates this generous donation. Because on our team, we believe if you look good then you feel good. And if you feel good, then, you play great.”
This recent donation presents an exciting new era for TUFF. As we move forward, we have begun conversations with additional teams across various sports for both young men’s and women’s athletics. If you know of a team in need, please reach out here.
TUFF in Liberia
Since our initial donation to the Genesis Soccer Academy in Liberia, West Africa, youth from the surrounding community have become excited to play. The directors of GSA told us that they have added five teams to their organization due to heightened local interest surrounding their TUFF uniforms. Currently much of the new equipment has begun to tear and fade from playing on dirt rather than grass.
TUFF Donor, Neil Nelson, has decided to double down on his initial donation to Genesis and will help provide them with sustainable, sublimated uniforms that can withstand sliding on the ground.
The 2022 Mr. Prodigy Award ceremony is just a
few months away. On January 28, 2023, the
best youth athletes from Northeast Ohio will
gather at the St. Ignatius Breen Center for a
night of cheer and excitement. The event’s
official sponsors are Hermann’s Pickles, Yours
Truly Restaurants, K&D Real Estate Services,
and the Cleveland Browns. We appreciate your
continued commitment to our mission!
On January 28th, 2023, K&D Real Estate
Services will light the iconic Terminal Tower in
Cleveland, OH, with TUFF’s colors to support
our fight for accessibility in youth athletics.
