MN Air Raid Joins Forces with First and Gold Foundation to Elevate 7v7 Football

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Minneapolis, MN — November 24, 2025 

MN Air Raid is proud to announce a strategic partnership with the First and Gold Foundation, aligning with their nationally recognized 7v7 programs—MN Elite and Carolina Vice. This collaboration marks a powerful step forward in expanding access, development, and exposure for student-athletes across the Midwest and Southeast.

First and Gold Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to breaking down barriers in youth sports by providing equitable access to football opportunities. Through mentorship, leadership development, and elite competition, the foundation empowers young athletes to thrive on and off the field. Their mission of using football resonates deeply with MN Air Raid’s commitment to holistic player development.

Key Benefits of the Partnership:

• Expanded Player Access: Athletes in Minnesota and the Carolinas will gain access to elite 7v7 competition, college exposure events, and professional skills training.

• Mentorship & Life Skills: Players will benefit from First and Gold’s off-field initiatives, including mentorship, financial literacy, and college readiness.

• Unified Culture & Curriculum: Shared values around effort, discipline, and opportunity will guide a consistent developmental approach across all teams.

• National Platform: MN Elite and Carolina Vice provide a proven pipeline to collegiate programs, with a track record of success at national showcases.

Justin McDonald, Co-Founder and Executive Director of First and Gold Foundation, shared his excitement:

"This partnership with MN Air Raid is about more than football, it’s about creating a movement. Together, we’re building a bridge for young athletes to access opportunity, mentorship, and a future they can believe in. MN Air Raid’s leadership with Bret Brookins, Nate Stanley and Ryan Stene and their values align perfectly with our mission, and we’re thrilled to welcome them into the First and Gold family."

Ryan Stene, Director of Football Operations at MN Air Raid, emphasized the alignment of vision:

"We’re not just joining a 7v7 team, we’re joining a purpose-driven movement. First and Gold’s commitment to equity, development, and leadership mirrors everything we stand for at MN Air Raid. This partnership gives our athletes a national platform and a support system that extends far beyond the field."

This partnership will kick off with joint tryouts, regional showcases, and a shared offseason training calendar. MN Air Raid athletes will join with Minnesota Elite in national tournaments while contributing to the First & Gold Foundation’s broader mission of transforming lives through football.

For updates, visit www.firstandgold.org or follow MN Air Raid and First & Gold Foundation on social media for tryout dates and announcements.

About First & Gold Foundation

First & Gold Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to serving student-athletes through inclusive football-based programs and initiatives. With branches in Minnesota and North Carolina, the Foundation provides on-field training, travel 7v7 programs, and off-field development in career readiness, financial literacy, and mentorship. Learn more at firstandgold.org.

Media Contact:

Name: Justin McDonald

Title: Co-Founder, First & Gold Foundation

Email: contact@firstandgold.org

Website: https://firstandgoldfoundation.org