The Suffield Greater Together Community Fund (SGTCF) awards grants to non-profits in Suffield, or that directly benefit Suffield residents. Periodically we highlight the work of one of our grant recipients. This month, we highlight the Bearcats Lift-Up Cheer program.
Lift-Up Cheer is an exciting new component of the Bearcats Youth Football and Cheer. The Bearcats are a blended family from the towns of Granby, East Granby, Suffield and Windsor Locks. Run exclusively by volunteers, they are united in their desire to spread enthusiasm for football and cheerleading in all the communities they serve. Their goals are executed with safety being the number one priority and the guiding principle. Goals include: to guide and support young athletes who are passionate about their sport; to instill core values of hard work, discipline, respect, and teamwork; to help grow confidence and character; and ultimately, to develop strong, self-assured young athletes. The Bearcats welcome all athletes: Grades K-2 for flag football; Grades 3-8 for tackle football; Grades 3-8 for Cheer; and Grades K-2 for Cubs Cheer with the courage to make that first tackle or fly high in the air, regardless of experience or ability. The Cheer program consists of four squads, based on the athlete’s grade levels.
Suffield High School is one of the Bearcats practice locations. It offers a beautiful turf playing surface, evening lighting, concessions, some bleachers and full restroom facilities.
Funds from the Suffield Greater Together Community Fund have helped to enhance and strengthen the Bearcats Cheer component, including uniforms and training equipment. The immediate focus is on side-line cheer, but they plan to move into competitive cheer in the next few seasons. For more information visit www.bearcatsyouthfootball.com.
The SGTCF is funded by the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving. For more information on the Fund, the Advisory Board, the Hartford Foundation, and the grant application process, please visit https://www.hfpg.org/donors/ways-to-give/community-funds/suffield or email us at sgtcf@gmail.com.