Four regions. Six weeks. Countless memories.

More than 1,400 U.S. athletes and 180 coaches competed for pride, honor and country this summer as top players from across the United States came together during the USA Football’s National Development Games.

Top-flight athletes from across the nation got better as they tried out for roster spots in the 2016 International Bowl. Players focused on their skills, spent time in the classroom breaking down film and strategized with top high school and college coaches – all with the end goal of playing for their nation.

Player safety, development and leadership were key aspects of the National Development Games, combining to create this year’s events memorable ones for all involved.

Safety

All athletes were outfitted with top-of-the-line equipment and apparel from USA Football partners such as Riddell, Shock Doctor and Siege on the field while Gatorade provided hydration stations for practices and game day.

USA Football worked alongside representatives from Riddell to fit athletes into their helmets and shoulder pads while those individuals also served as equipment managers throughout the weeks.

Every U.S. athlete also received custom mouth guards from Shock Doctor. Shock Doctor participates in USA Football’s training events across the country, serving players of all ages.

USA Football’s commitment to player safety also included a session for all players and coaches on Heads Up Football tackling techniques. During the National Development Games in Canton, Ohio, and in College Station, Texas, coach Jimmy Ferrell led sessions on USA Football’s Heads Up Football program that enhances player safety.

“These guys learn this approach here, and they are able to take this back home, Farrell said. “Some kids don’t have the opportunity to come out to these events, so now it is up to (the players) who are here to bring what they learned back home. They can have a great impact on their programs back home.”

Development

As the national governing body of the sport, USA Football selects and maintains national teams for men’s, women’s and high school-age players. Being the national governing body, the NCAA has granted an exemption to USA Football to allow current college coaches to take instruct at national team events.

Through this exposure, athletes receive instruction from members of some of the best college programs in the nation.

National Development Weeks focus on building players both on and off the field. Through individual drills, 1-on-1 competition and 7-on-7s along with character development sessions, athletes are improving themselves to become better players back home while given the opportunity to one day represent their country on a football field.

“I met a lot of great players and coaches through the Development Games. The camp was very organized, and I really enjoyed the competitive environment and the application of leadership during camp,” said Mac Jones, who has verbally committed to play quarterback at the University of Kentucky.

Jones and others at the non-contact Development Week in Malvern, Pa., met with former NFL coach Harrison Bernstein and college coaches from UCLA, Arizona, Penn State, Stanford, Johns Hopkins and Lafayette, all of whom provided feedback and coaching tips for athletes.

Leadership

Imagine hundreds of teenage boys coming together from across the country for a week, participating competitively and cohesively at practice for the first time. It takes a special type of person to take leadership in this situation.

“Leadership applied to all parts of the camp but especially team play,” Jones said. “The team with the best chemistry and leadership usually wins.

“Being a team player is huge for playing with kids you have never played with before.”

Off of the field, Jones and other players prepared for game day by discussing strategy and tactics in the classroom. The USA Football focus on chalk talks was unique experience for the athletes. Stanford University coach Edward Park said this classroom time is vital for player development.