EAST HARTFORD, Conn. — August 6, 2026 — SAFR Sports is proud to announce that the International Student-Athlete Academy (ISAA) has sponsored the East Hartford High School Football program with SAFR Helmet Covers through the organization’s SAFR Hero Program, providing every player with an additional layer of head impact protection as the Hornets prepare for the upcoming football season.
Through the SAFR Hero Program, ISAA is helping ensure that East Hartford student-athletes have access to innovative football safety equipment while reinforcing a shared commitment to protecting athletes and supporting the future of the game.
ISAA is a Philadelphia based nonprofit serving the Delaware Valley for 31 years and believes that using sports to a make a difference in a young person’s life can make a difference in the world.
“Our mission extends beyond competition. We’re committed to creating opportunities that help student-athletes succeed academically, personally, and athletically. Supporting East Hartford High School through the SAFR Hero Program aligns perfectly with that mission.” – Carlos Bradley, ISAA President
The SAFR Hero Program was created to connect generous organizations, donors, and community partners with football programs that are committed to making the game safer.
By sponsoring SAFR Helmet Covers, ISAA is helping remove financial barriers that often prevent schools from adopting supplemental football safety equipment.
The partnership reflects a growing movement across the country as schools, nonprofits, and community organizations continue investing in technologies designed to help reduce repetitive head impacts while supporting athlete development.
“At East Hartford, we believe, how you do anything is how you do everything. That mindset shapes the culture we’re building every day. Our responsibility extends well beyond football. We are committed to creating an environment where every student-athlete is challenged to grow as a learner, teammate, leader, and person. Supporting their health and well-being is part of that commitment. We are grateful to ISAA and SAFR Sports for investing in our students, our families, and our community. This partnership reflects a shared belief that when schools and community partners work together, we create better opportunities for young people to learn, compete, and thrive. We are proud to stand alongside organizations that share our commitment to developing the whole student-athlete.” – Head Coach, Tylon Outlaw & Assistant Coach, Terrell Huff
Football safety continues to be one of the most important conversations in youth and high school athletics.
Across the United States, schools, state associations, and lawmakers are increasingly exploring ways to provide additional layers of protection for student-athletes through education, coaching, medical oversight, and equipment innovation.
SAFR Helmet Covers are designed as a supplemental protective device intended to help reduce head impact forces when used in conjunction with certified football helmets. They are one component of a comprehensive player safety strategy that also includes proper coaching techniques, practice modifications, rule enforcement, and concussion management protocols.
As conversations surrounding football safety legislation continue to grow nationwide, partnerships like this demonstrate how communities can proactively invest in athlete well-being today.
“We’re seeing a fundamental shift in how communities think about football safety. The conversation is no longer just about responding to injuries—it’s about proactively reducing repetitive head impacts before they happen. Schools, nonprofits, and lawmakers all share the same goal: keeping athletes on the field, in the classroom, and healthy for years to come. Partnerships like this demonstrate what’s possible when communities come together to invest in the next generation of football players.” – John Zeglinski, CEO SAFR
The addition of SAFR Helmet Covers ensures player safety remains a priority from the very first practice.
The partnership between ISAA, East Hartford High School, and SAFR Sports reflects a shared belief that success is measured not only by wins on Friday nights but by creating an environment where student-athletes can compete, develop, and thrive.
By providing every East Hartford football player with SAFR Helmet Covers, ISAA is helping establish a culture that values preparation, innovation, and athlete health.
East Hartford High School Football is committed to developing student-athletes in an environment where safety, accountability, belonging, and opportunity are foundational to everything we do. As part of East Hartford Public Schools, our program is aligned with the district’s commitment to developing the whole child by supporting students academically, socially, emotionally, physically, and athletically.
This partnership with ISAA and SAFR Sports reflects a shared commitment to student well-being and aligns with East Hartford Public Schools’ Strategic Plan and Portrait of the Graduate by helping create learning environments where students are prepared to become resilient, responsible, collaborative, and engaged members of their communities.
Providing SAFR Helmet Covers represents more than an investment in football. It demonstrates what is possible when schools, nonprofit organizations, and community partners come together to support students through innovation, shared responsibility, and a commitment to their long-term success. We believe the strongest programs are built when student development and well-being remain at the center of every decision.
One suggestion that may strengthen the article would be to frame the final section around student-athlete well-being and the partnership between East Hartford Public Schools, ISAA, and SAFR Sports, rather than focusing solely on football. Highlighting the collaboration and shared investment in students better reflects the broader impact of this partnership and aligns closely with our district’s mission and vision.
Thank you again for including East Hartford in this initiative. We truly appreciate the partnership and look forward to sharing this story with our students, families, and community.
The SAFR Hero Program recognizes organizations, businesses, donors, and community leaders who invest in the safety of football athletes by sponsoring SAFR Helmet Covers for teams across the country.
To learn more about becoming a SAFR Hero or sponsoring a football program in your community, visit https://safrsports.com/our-heroes/.
SAFR Sports develops innovative football safety technology designed to help reduce repetitive head impacts through supplemental helmet protection. Working alongside coaches, athletic trainers, physicians, schools, and community partners, SAFR Sports is committed to advancing player safety through education, research, and innovation.
To learn more, visit https://safrsports.com.
