All across the United States, top junior high and high school football players have spent the last two months improving their skills and displaying their talent at USA Football Regional Development Camps.

These events for athletes in grades six through 11 serve as the initial tryout for the U.S. National Team as well as the opportunity for athletes to receive training and recruiting exposure from current NCAA coaches.

Regional Development Camps focus on building players both on and off the field with the help of an array of NCAA coaches and scouts. Through individual drills, 1-on-1 competition and 7-on-7s along with character development sessions and an introduction to Heads Up Tackling, athletes are improving themselves to become better players back home while given the opportunity to one day represent their country on a football field.

And as the national governing body of the sport, the NCAA allows USA Football to employ current college coaches as instructors at all of its events.

“I’ve been attending USA Football Regional Development Camps for three years,” said Lindell Stone, a quarterback from Dallas who was the Under-17 International Bowl Most Valuable Player earlier this year. “Each year, the quality of instruction and level of competition have increased. I really like the camp practice plan. It allows me to more fully develop my skills in all areas in condensed time frame. I’ve worked with so many people who have helped me develop as both a person and a player during my association with the U.S. National Team program. I’m indebted to all of the Team USA coaches who’ve had a hand in my development. Their instruction and interest in me has definitely helped my recruiting profile. Being a member of the U.S. National Team has definitely had a positive impact on my recruiting process.”

Connor Miller of La Crosse, Wis., signed up for both the Minneapolis and Milwaukee camps. As a running back and linebacker, he will learn specific skills that he says he’s looking forward to being able to take back and use this fall.

“I feel like all of what I learn can be applied to playing football at my school, and since I work at more than one position and understand football better I will be playing more for my team and I can help them get better,” Miller said.

The same goes for quarterbacks Seth Agwunobi of Fairfax Station, Va., and Aaron Garces of Georgetown, Texas.

“The coaches at the regional camp gave us drills to help us work on our throwing form, strength and accuracy. It was really good. My goal is to always improve and to work on my flaws. Going to Regional Development Camps gives me an opportunity to get better,” Agwunobi said.

“I was able to see what college coaches expect from their players and how to prepare to be the best you can be,” Garces said. “It made me better, and it showed me how much work is expected to be a Division I athlete. I could see all the dedication all the players had and how much they take football to heart and it motivated me to strive harder.”

Parents also seeing results

With parents invited to all practices as well as off-the-field sessions, having face-to-face interactions with coaches and scouts help moms and dads understand what their children are learning.

“With my eldest son and other players I coach all having experienced the Regional Development Camps, National Development Games and the International Bowl, I know USA Football has the best interest of the individual athletes at heart,” parent Erik Miller said. “They aren't just about the greatest talent, though the talent level is evident at each camp. Rather, USA Football Camps allow for more engagement and emphasize the character development beyond any other camp I have ever experienced.

“The outcome is it is about, as USA Football always says, ‘the best, right players.’ There is no doubt in my mind they are the best for the players and the game. Football is a vehicle for life, and attending camps the caliber of USA Football will only improve that position, both on and off the field. ”

Coaches teaching skills

Former college and Arena League coach David Paffenroth of Kansas City, Mo., said he found athletes eager to learn and develop their skills.

“I enjoy being around enthusiastic young people who are willing to learn,” Paffenroth said. “I also learn from them. The best lesson we can learn in life is to keep an open mind to new ideas. The players that I have had the pleasure to coach this year has given me a new appreciation of what a team sport is supposed to be. The young men that I have had the opportunity to coach are enthusiastic and willing to learn. I know that their coaches have to be proud of each one.”

For University of Arizona assistant coach Miguel Reveles of Tucson, Ariz., there is no better way for upcoming athletes to interact with coaches.

“Because you have so many coaches with different experience levels, they get an opportunity to learn from the two days of the camp rather than just being a skills camp. At this camp, they are actually learning from coaches at all levels, and they get to learn about recruiting,” Reveles said. “College coaches around the country get to attend these camps, and that’s the best exposure you can get.”

Regional Development Camps continue through the end of May. Visit here to sign up for an event near you.

April 18: Edison, N.J.

April 18: Boston, Mass.

April 25: Atlanta, Ga.

April 25: Oklahoma City, Okla.

May 9: Minneapolis, Minn.

May 16: Denver, Colo.

May 16: Milwaukee, Wisc.

May 23: Baltimore, Md.

May 23: Seattle, Wash.

May 30: Kansas City, Mo.

May 30: Chicago, Ill.