Thursday, October 1, 2026
Football players across Nassau County are getting a boost this season, thanks to a new partnership between the Town of Hempstead, Nassau County officials, and local sports organizations to collect and refurbish football gear for young athletes in need.
Town Supervisor Don Clavin joined dozens of players, coaches, and supporters at MacLaren Stadium in Levittown on July 15 to announce the start of a football equipment collection drive. The initiative is a collaborative effort between the town, Nassau County, and local youth football groups, including the Garden City Thunder and the Southern State Seminoles.
“The importance of organized recreation and teamplay is never lost on us in the Town of Hempstead, and we are proud to team up with local football enthusiasts to help young football players who need some equipment upgrades,” Clavin said during the announcement. “A young athlete should never be limited by equipment costs, and this program will make football a more accessible sport for our youth.”
The idea for the drive began as a local effort led by Peter Hamilton, a middle school football player for the Garden City Thunder. After seeing its early success, Clavin reached out to help grow the initiative into a townwide program. With support from Nassau County Legislator John Ferretti, the program is also expanding its reach throughout the county.
“This is what I love about our local sports organizations – they bring communities together and teach invaluable lessons in teamwork, discipline, and perseverance,” Ferretti said. “This donation drive ensures every child has the opportunity to play and grow, both on and off the field.”
Starting Wednesday, July 16, residents are encouraged to drop off gently used football gear at five collection sites located across the Town of Hempstead. The equipment will be refurbished before being distributed to youth football programs. Collection locations include:
Donation boxes will be available at Hempstead Town Hall in Hempstead, Echo Park Pool and Cherry Valley Ball Fields in West Hempstead, Newbridge Road Park in Bellmore, and Levittown Hall in Hicksville.
“This is a communal effort for the future generation of athletes,” Clavin said. “We look forward to collecting tons of football gear and equipping young athletes to ensure a safe, successful season of football.”
The drive will continue through the start of the fall football season in September.
