The Reality of the "Self-Funded" Model
High school athletics within the Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District (LVJUSD) operate on a self-funded model. This means that unlike the classroom environment, the district does not provide a budget for each sport sufficient to cover its actual operational costs. While the district may provide the field and the lights, and the basic essential elements, most of the true needs of the program are not funded. To maintain a safe, competitive, and high-quality environment for our student-athletes, we rely on Voluntary Fair-Share Donations. These contributions stay directly with the football program to cover our massive annual overhead.
The Investment in Your Athlete
Beyond the collective costs of running the program, there is a significant individual investment required to put a single player on the field safely. To provide a student-athlete with a high-tech safety helmet ($500), professional-grade shoulder pads ($400), a full set of home and away game jerseys and pants ($500), practice gear ($100), and necessary protective accessories like mouthpieces, girdles, and knee pads ($200), the cost exceeds $1,700 per player. With a roster of 150+ athletes, our program is responsible for managing and maintaining over $250,000 worth of protective equipment. Your donations do not just pay for "extras"; they fund the maintenance, repair, and eventual replacement of this critical "armor" that keeps our players safe in a high-impact environment.
Where Does Your Donation Go?
Maintaining a football program is a significant financial undertaking. Below is a transparent look at our primary annual expenses:
- Athlete Safety & Equipment (~$16,500+): To meet safety standards and reduce concussion risks, every helmet must be professionally inspected and reconditioned annually. This costs the program approximately $15,000 per year. Additionally, footballs, down markers, pylons, and practice pads must be replaced as they weather and wear, costing roughly $1,500 annually. Furthermore, these funds ensure our players have access to the most up-to-date training tools and performance technology, allowing them to develop their skills safely and effectively in a modern athletic environment.
- Uniforms & Apparel (~$5,000): Football is a high-impact sport. We must replace torn, soiled, or structurally compromised uniforms every season to ensure the team looks professional and stays protected.
- Specialized Coaching Staff (~$15,000 - $25,000): To provide position-specific instruction (Quarterbacks, Linemen, Special Teams, etc.) and ensure player safety during drills, we must hire a full slate of assistant coaches. Stipends range from $1,500 to $2,500 per coach. Without these donations, we simply cannot staff enough coaches to safely supervise and develop 150+ athletes.
- Transportation (~$10,000): The cost of a single bus for an away game is approximately $1,400. With a full schedule of away games across multiple levels (Frosh/Soph/Varsity), our transportation bill often exceeds $10,000 per season.
- Program Traditions & Logistics: Donations also fund weekly team dinners, Senior Night celebrations, end-of-season banquets, and various administrative costs that make the high school football experience memorable.
A Critical Partnership
No student will be denied participation in athletics if a donation is not provided. Participation is never "pay-to-play." However, the math is simple: Without the generous support of our families, many of these programs would simply cease to exist. We ask for your "Fair Share" contribution to ensure we can put a team on the field that is safe, well-equipped, and coached by the best possible staff.
Note: All donations made to Granada High School Athletics are voluntary and non-refundable. We thank you for your investment in our student-athletes!
