Xenith Partners with Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan to Reimagine Youth Sports

XENITH PARTNERS WITH BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF SOUTHEASTERN MICHIGAN TO REIMAGINE YOUTH SPORTS 

• Partnership aims to develop 21st Century Athletes who are competitive, career & character focused
• Xenith will provide, uniforms, equipment and products to ensure a world class and safe experience for youth
• Xenith employees to provide career mentorship and real-world product design experience to BGCSM youth 

DETROIT – December 3, 2020 – As youth programs and activities continue to be affected by the growing Michigan COVID-19 cases and school districts re-close their doors, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan (BGCSM) and Xenith joined forces to support youth athletes both on and off the field.  Xenith’s contribution to the partnership includes but is not limited to providing uniforms, equipment, and products for BGCSM athletes, as well as a donation of time from Xenith team members for volunteer and instructional activities.  

“At Xenith, we believe in putting the athlete at the center of all that we do by supporting them both on and off the field,” said Ryan Sullivan, Xenith CEO. “The opportunity to partner with the BGCSM around the shared vision for the 21st century athlete here in our hometown of Detroit is core to our mission as a team.”

Xenith has provided BGCSM youth and families with Xenith equipment at no additional cost to them, including Xenith LOOP non-tackle headgear for the BGCSM flag football programs, and prizes to support the BGCSM enrichment programs. Additionally, two teams from the Greater Metropolitan Youth Sports League will be awarded Xenith uniforms prior to the 2021 football season.

The relationship between both organizations began organically over the summer of 2020 with the aligned vision to Reimagine youth sports and elevate the 21st Century student-athlete’s pursuit of success in competition, career and their character. The organizations, hosted a summer summit with the youth, programs with former athletes, developed a tool kit that any sports team can use to lead courageous conversations with youth, and provided pathways to careers in sports and beyond.

“We’re grateful to Xenith for investing in our mission of preparing youth to become career, startup and homeowner ready by 18. Youth sports are key to giving youth the real-world skills needed to achieve those goals,” said Shawn H. Wilson, BGCSM president & CEO.”

This programing included a special event in September, focused on racial inequality and sports.  The Xenith Prep Kickoff Classic Community Summit was hosted at the BGCSM’s Dauch Club and featured community leaders and football coaches discussing how racial inequality has impacted their lives and careers, and how sport can serve as a conduit for change in our communities.

Xenith team members have donated 40+ hours of volunteer time to BGCSM’s Industry Club activities this past fall and will continue to be active in the Industry Club and virtual learning lab opportunities, providing hands-on learning and mentoring opportunities to students.

BGCSM continues to be a safe space for youth amid the current pandemic, offering programs for youth of essential workers, summer camps and now virtual/on-site learning pods. BGCSM looks to expand its sports league offerings to additional sports and teams in 2021. To learn more about BGCSM visit www.bgcsm.org.

About Xenith

Based in Detroit, Xenith creates top-rated football helmets, gear and apparel designed to elevate athletes to live their game. Their athlete-first design approach is backed by rigorous science, engineering, and innovation which transcends laboratory testing to address on-field needs. Xenith outfits the athlete from head to ankle in a suite of performance products for playing, training, and living.

All Xenith helmets are Five-Star on the Virginia Tech Helmet Ratings, and in the “Top-Performing Group” of the NFL Lab Helmet Performance Testing. Xenith is committed to democratizing protection by making top-rated helmets, shoulder pads, and gear available at an equitable price point for anyone who wants to play football – from youth, to varsity, to the pros. To learn more about Xenith, visit xenith.com and follow on social media on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

About Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan  

Founded in 1926, Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan (BGCSM) has over 94 years of experience serving youth ages 6-18 by providing a safe, fun place that inspires, while offering high quality programs that provide real-world learning from caring adult mentors. Serving nearly 15,000 youth annually within eight Clubs throughout southeastern Michigan, BGCSM works every day to provide a world-class experience, empowering youth to become change agents through economic mobility. To learn more about BGCSM visit www.bgcsm.org and follow us on social media on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter!

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