Over the last eight years LGT Wealth Management US has embarked on a remarkable journey alongside the NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars, driven by our shared vision to make a tangible difference in the community. This partnership has led to the creation of two significant initiatives: the Reward Rows and the Gridiron Grant, showcasing how sport and community efforts can intersect to create opportunities for personal and educational development.
Our partnership with the Jaguars began at a pivotal moment as the team committed to extending its base in London. Recognising the synergy between our goals and theirs, we saw the potential in cultivating this relationship. The Jaguars’ dedication to grassroots sports and community outreach mirrored our desire to foster growth and development among young children. The Reward Rows programme, launched in 2016, marked our first step into community engagement with the Jaguars. Partnering with schools and community centres across the UK, the programme seeks to motivate and incentivise students to display positive behaviours. Children are given a booklet to record various activities to demonstrate academic achievements, good community spirit and engagement in sport and nutrition. By way of incentive, at the end of the year they are then invited to Wembley to experience a game hosted by the Jacksonville Jaguars. This programme was devised to offer underprivileged students the chance to experience the excitement of a live NFL game at Wembley and has granted over 3,000 children such opportunities, rewarding their engagement in school and sports activities.
Inspired by the success of the Reward Rows, we sought to expand our impact. This led to the Gridiron Grant which was established in 2018. The Gridiron Grant challenges the usual concept of sports scholarships. Beyond athletic achievements, it recognises the broader potential within youths to grow through education and vocational training. This has been set up for children who have some connection to American football either through the Jaguars’ JagTag or JagTag Xtra Time programmes, or through association with a UK British American Football Association (“BAFA”) team, but crucially it does not require them to excel at the sport. Applications are invited from anywhere in the country and all further education courses or vocational programmes are included. It seeks to support young individuals who demonstrate genuine curiosity and drive, regardless of their athletic or academic prowess.
To date, the Gridiron Grant has supported 12 recipients — six male and six female — providing them with the means to achieve their educational dreams without the looming burden of financial constraints.
The Gridiron Grant encapsulates our belief in the transformative power of education and sport. We aim to provide not just financial relief but also essential life skills to our recipients. Through interview processes and career guidance, we help them navigate their paths, often exposing them to professional environments for the first time.
The broader community also stands to gain from this initiative. By promoting socio-economic diversity and inclusivity within both the sporting and corporate sectors, we are fostering a supportive network that encourages continuous learning and growth. The resultant cross-section of society drawn into this programme — from London to Manchester and beyond — underscores its expansive reach and significant impact.
Moving forward, we are excited to evolve the Gridiron Grant's scope. This includes expanding our support beyond the grant winners to all finalists, potentially offering workshops on CV writing, interview techniques and other vital soft skills crucial for career development.
The programme aims to educate young people on the myriad career opportunities beyond athletic performance. By exposing them to various roles within the sports and financial industry — such as marketing, promotions and public relations — we aspire to broaden their horizons, preparing them for versatile professional landscapes.
Our collaboration with the Jacksonville Jaguars through initiatives like Reward Rows and the Gridiron Grant reflects our commitment to empowering youth and harnessing the benefits of sport. Though my own experience of playing American football I have seen how working as a team and supporting others can have a lasting impact on people and how they approach life outside of sport. It is an area I’m passionate about and I am pleased to be able to support. By leveraging the unifying power of sport and the transformative potential of education, we at LGT Wealth Management US are proud to champion the aspirations and growth of future generations.
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