TK parent Lyndsey Carpenter led a donation drive for the Guardian Caps, finding many who graciously participated in purchasing one or more caps. One large donor provided 45 of the 80 additional helmets, while the rest came from several additional donors. Each cap costs about $80.
“I’m so appreciative of all our donors who stepped up and want to help provide this added layer of protection,” she said. “I just love the game of football, but I want to help keep everyone safe. Some people say they are afraid of their child getting hurt if they play football. This adds another level of protection and if we can offer that, why not try it?” she said.
The Guardian Cap’s extra padding helps absorb more impact, reducing the risk and severity of the blows and reducing the risk of concussions.
Middle School coach Ben Ybema said the guardian caps will be mandatory for all practices. “This is another level of protection. We want to keep our players safe.”
The caps have already been in use by Thornapple Kellogg High School players for the last three years and are often seen worn by college and NFL players.
Carpenter said she was grateful for the many donors. “Football gives our young athletes an outlet, a team, friendships, discipline and a sense of belonging. Guardian Caps are an additional safety tool that can help reduce some of the forces athletes experience during contact. Providing them is one more way we can support these young athletes as they play a game they love,” she said.
She didn’t want any family to have to absorb the additional cost of the Guardian Cap but wanted every player to have the safety equipment. The caps donated will stay with the middle school program and hopefully last several years before needing to be replaced.
Ybema said he appreciates the additional equipment for his players. “We definitely want to keep our students safe and these Guardian Caps, we believe, will help.”
Lyndsey’s son, Shaddik, now a freshman in high school, said it’s easy to get used to wearing the Guardian Cap. “It doesn’t really feel any different until you get hit. Then you notice the extra padding and that’s a good thing,” he said.
Dawson White and Jase Huey said they don’t mind wearing the extra padding as they fitted the Guardian Caps on their helmets before practice. “We just want to play football,” said Huey.
There was just one more thing for the football players to do. Each signed their name to Thank You cards that will be sent to everyone who made donations for the Guardian Caps.
“I think this highlights the very best of our community - neighbors, businesses, families and supporters coming together to invest in our kids. Youth sports are about so much more than winds and losses; they’re about the people who show up for our young athletes and help create safe opportunities for them to learn, grow and thrive,” said Lyndsey Carpenter. “It’s important we thank these donors for what they’ve done. There’s something much more personal about a card with the players all signing their own name.”