Toyota Motor North America announced on April 14 that it will support youth and female athletes during the upcoming NFL Draft in Pittsburgh. The company is hosting several events to celebrate rising football stars, particularly those playing flag football, as part of its commitment to spotlighting every journey in the sport.
The focus on young players and increased visibility for girls participating in flag football comes as interest in the sport continues to grow. Toyota’s initiatives aim to provide more opportunities for these athletes and encourage broader participation at all levels.
As part of its activities, Toyota is organizing a Flag Football Training Camp led by Pittsburgh wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr., who will work with select NFL Draft prospects and members of the United States Women’s National Flag Football team. Together, they will coach girls through drills and skills challenges. Pittman Jr. said, “I’m excited to be in Pittsburgh for this next phase of my football journey. To females in FLAG and Draft prospects, my message is simple: take advantage of every moment in the spotlight. Every practice, challenge and lesson helps build toward what’s next.”
In addition to the training camp, Toyota will cover fall registration kit fees for current players in the Pittsburgh Flag Football League’s coed youth and high school girls leagues. This move is intended to expand access at the grassroots level.
Media personality Kay Adams will anchor coverage from the Red Carpet Presented by Toyota during draft week festivities. Prospects attending this event can spin a prize wheel resulting in donations from Toyota to an NFL FLAG league located within each player’s new home city.
Dedra DeLilli, vice president of marketing communications at Toyota Motor North America, said: “Every journey deserves a spotlight, and we are proud to see girls leading rather than watching from the sidelines…the Draft is only the beginning, and Toyota will never stop showing up for those in pursuit of their dreams.”
The company also invites fans to participate at its interactive NFL Draft Day Studio experience between April 23–25 with activities such as custom belt bag design workshops inside a new vehicle model display.
