Touchdown Pass Foundation: Tackling Barriers, Building Community
Three Carrollwood Day School students are using their love of football to make a difference in the Tampa Bay community. Through their nonprofit, Touchdown Pass Foundation, they’re breaking down barriers so every child can experience the benefits of team sports.
At Carrollwood Day School, we encourage our students to take risks. They are encouraged in their academics, in their passions, and in the ways they engage with the world around them. Three of our students, Dylan G. '28, MJ J. '28, and Eaon M. '28 have done just that by turning their love of football into a force for good. Through their nonprofit, the Touchdown Pass Foundation, they’re tackling barriers to youth sports and creating opportunities for every child in Tampa Bay to experience the teamwork, confidence, and connection that come from playing the game they love.
On Sunday, October 19, the foundation celebrated its one-year anniversary at Dick’s House of Sport. The event honored community partners, ambassadors, student leaders, and volunteers who have helped make the organization’s first year a success. Guests were invited to bring new or gently used football equipment, and the turnout was incredible. More than 75 pieces of equipment and cleats were collected, and over $2,500 was raised through raffle tickets and generous sponsorships.
Since its founding last September, Touchdown Pass Foundation has:
Collected more than 300 pairs of cleats and equipment from seven collection sites across Tampa Bay
Raised over $4,500 to support local youth athletes
Distributed more than 250 bags of school supplies
Established the Touchdown Pass Pantry
Expanded its services to include Girls’ Flag Football
And launched an Ambassador Program with representatives at Tampa Catholic and Calvary Christian
Through their work, these students embody the CDS vision to build a community prepared and inspired to better the world. They are true entrepreneurial thinkers whose character drives them to take chances, lead with purpose, and make a lasting difference in their community. Their story reminds us that when students combine their passions with purpose, they don’t just play the game, they change it.
To learn more about the Touchdown Pass Foundation or to support their mission, visit Touchdown Pass Foundation.