YMCA of the USA and The Trust Team-Up to Help Former NFL Players Improve Their Health

The Trust will subsidize YMCA memberships of more than 5,000 former players as they adjust to life away from the field

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Aug 26, 2014, 08:00 ET

CHICAGO and WASHINGTON, Aug. 26, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- YMCA of the USA (Y-USA) and The Trust—Powered by the National Football League Players Association (NFLPA)—today announced a new partnership to help former NFL players improve their health by providing memberships at YMCAs throughout the nation. The Trust, a set of resources available through the NFLPA that provides players with access to benefits and services that assist in their success beyond the game of football, will underwrite membership fees for eligible former players.

The average professional football player's career is just over three years and many former players are impacted by long-term injuries or making the transition to new careers and healthy routines. The Y, a leading community-based network committed to improving America's health with locations in 10,000 neighborhoods across the country, has the ability and reach to assist players making that transition and learn behaviors that lead to better health.

"We are excited about this partnership with the Y because we know they offer so much more than a place to work out," said Bahati VanPelt, executive director of The Trust. "A Y membership provides a former player with an additional resource in The Trust's existing Lifestyle Pillar, which we feel is key to a former player's transition to life off the field."

The partnership is available to the more than 5,000 former NFL players. Each Y membership not only provides a safe, friendly environment that builds community connections, but also includes specialized consultations for each player to help them achieve their health and wellness goals. In addition, NFLPA members will have full-service access to their local Y facility as well as advance registration and member rates on adult programs and classes.

"The Trust recognizes the challenges former players face when they leave the game behind, and we are proud they chose the Y to help them recoup from the physical demands of football and claim a holistic approach to a healthy lifestyle," said Cindy McDermott, membership director for YMCA of the USA. "With thousands of former players all over the country we have the means and reach to help them meet personal health and rehabilitation needs, and provide a place where they can connect in a safe environment that is part of the fabric of the local community."

Retired players with two or more credited seasons are eligible for the program. Former players can obtain a registration form by contacting The Trust at 1-866-725-0063.

For more information about Y programs, contact your local Y or email [email protected]

About The Trust:
The Trust is a set of resources, programs and services designed to provide former players with the support, skills and tools to help ensure success off the field and in life after football. The Trust emerged from the commitment of the National Football League Players Association (NFLPA) and its members to ensure that players are provided access to benefits and services that assist in their success beyond the game of football. It culminates the hard-fought efforts of past and present CBA battles to better serve former NFL players. For more information, visit www.playerstrust.com.

About the Y
The Y is one of the nation's leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Across the U.S., 2,700 Ys engage 22 million men, women and children – regardless of age, income or background – to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the nation's health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. Anchored in more than 10,000 communities, the Y has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver, lasting personal and social change. ymca.net

Contact:
Mamie Moore
YMCA of the USA
312-419-8418
[email protected]

Carl Francis
NFL Players Association
202-756-9169
[email protected]

SOURCE YMCA of the USA