FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 27, 2014
For Additional Information
Contact Todd Grant, President
tgrant@squadlocker.com
SquadLocker™, Rhode Island’s premier provider of athletic apparel, uniforms and team gear has become a contributor of the US Lacrosse First Stick Program which is dedicated to breaking down barriers and delivering comprehensive developmental and safety resources, equipment, and coach training to awarded teams.
A key collaborator in US Lacrosse’s “First Stick” program, SquadLocker donates gear to selected schools to help them fully outfit their newly created teams.
As part of this initiative SquadLocker has been partnered with Achievement First Bridgeport Academy located in Bridgeport CT, a fifth-through eighth-grade school enrolling students from many of Bridgeport’s most underserved neighborhoods, to assist in launching its first lacrosse program for boys.
“SquadLocker is thrilled to support the US Lacrosse First Stick Program. By participating in this impressive initiative we are able to help Achievement First Bridgeport Academy students to gain the valuable life lessons that come from participating in team sports. We feel very strongly that the leadership and team building skills that come from participating in lacrosse helps young people to grow into healthier and happier young adults,” stated SquadLocker’s president, Todd Grant.
The pilot program, which will initially introduce 24 boys to the sport of lacrosse, is being headed by Vincent DiScala a former lacrosse player and coach.
DiScala explains, “Lacrosse is a uniquely challenging and rewarding sport that is not only great fun but it also helps young people to build friendships, work towards goals and learn what it takes to win and how to learn from their losses in life. The kids at school are extremely excited to be given the opportunity to learn to play this uniquely exciting game.”
“This generous donation from SquadLocker, through US Lacrosse’s First Stick Program, has been critical the launch of our new program. The quality of the gear we received from them is extremely high and their team has been great to deal with. My school and I want to thank SquadLocker for donating to our program and to express our gratitude to US Lacrosse for being so committed to helping us develop our program and for connecting us with SquadLocker. Having the support of these terrific organizations makes me very confident that this important initiative will be a great success by helping us make a difference in our students’ lives.”
About SquadLocker™
SquadLocker is a full-service team dealer providing team gear, apparel and uniforms and a superior customer experience. Located in Warwick, RI in a 34,000 sq. ft. facility, SquadLocker is a market leading team dealer providing diverse selection of athletic apparel including brands such as Under Armour, Adidas, Champion, and many more. All of your team gear... for every season... from one source. Learn more at www.squadlocker.com.
About US Lacrosse’s “First Stick” Program
The First Stick Program is designed to deliver comprehensive US Lacrosse developmental and safety resources, equipment, US Lacrosse membership and coach training to awarded teams. The ultimate goal of each two-year partnership is to develop self-sustaining youth lacrosse programs that operate by US Lacrosse national standards and best practices.
About Achievement First Bridgeport Academy
Achievement First Bridgeport Academy Middle is part of the Achievement First network of 25 non-profit, high-performing, college-preparatory, K to 12 public charter schools, serving nearly 8,000 urban students in Connecticut, New York, and Rhode Island. The mission of Achievement First is to deliver on the promise of equal educational opportunity for all of America's children.
