A Framework for 21st Century Football
The Football Development Model
allows us to ...
- Instill solid fundamentals
- Develop better players
- Provide multiple entry points and game options
- Create developmentally appropriate skill instruction
By teaching the game in a fun and engaging way, we can more effectively meet players’ developmental needs based on their individual stages of growth and development.
How Does It Work?
We’ve incorporated scientifically based guidelines, which assist us in building recommended stages of development for athletes as they grow through the sport. This helps coaches and parents gauge the progress of a young player’s skill level and game readiness.
By taking athletes from their touchpoint into the sport and continuing through opportunities in high school and beyond, the Football Developmental Model guides every individual as they learn, develop and progress through the sport.
Six Pillars to the Football Development Model
The foundation of the Football Development Model is based on six pillars. When working together, these pillars create the blueprint for the football community to create better athletes.
Why Do We Need It?
Through the Football Development Model we are nourishing and propelling the whole person beyond what we can see and feel between the sidelines.
What does this mean? Younger, smaller athletes are best served by playing on smaller fields. It also means providing more entry points into the game through both flag and modified versions of tackle football.
What football influencers
are saying ...
Football Development Model Council
Medical / Child Development Specialists
Dr. Brian Hainline (Chairman)
Chief Medical Officer
National Collegiate Athletic Association
Dr. Gerard Gioia
Division Chief of Neuropsychology
Children’s National Health System
Dr. Michael McCrea
Professor of Neurosurgery & Neurology
Medical College of Wisconsin
Dr. Johna Register-Mihalik
Asst. Professor Exercise & Sport Science
University of North Carolina
Dr. Allen Sills
Chief Medical Officer
National Football League
Long-Term Athlete Development and ADM Specialists
Dr. Stephen Norris
Adjunct Professor of Applied Physiology
Mount Royal University and University of Calgary
Dr. Paul Roetert
Director of Education and Strategic Engagement
NCAA Sport Science Institute
Mr. Chris Snyder
Director of Coaching Education
United States Olympic Committee
Football Subject Matter Experts
Todd Berry
Executive Director
American Football Coaches Association
Callie Brownson
Assistant Football Coach
Dartmouth College
Jon Butler
Executive Director
Pop Warner Little Scholars
Calvin Everett
Athletic Director and Head Football Coach
Harrisburg (Pa.) High School
Scott Heitland
Head Football Coach
Dallas Center-Grimes (Iowa) High School
Brad Garrett
Assistant Executive Director
Oregon School Activities Association
Janan Miller
League President
Hill Country Pop Warner (Austin, Texas)
Kirby Hocutt
Director of Athletics
Texas Tech University
Richard Raphael
President
Miami Xtreme Youth Football
Dr. Karissa Niehoff
Executive Director
National Federation of State High School Associations
Buddy Teevens
Head Football Coach
Dartmouth College
Dr. Jon Steinbrecher
Commissioner
Mid-American Conference, NCAA
Anquan Boldin
Retired NFL Player
Troy Vincent
Retired NFL Player
Executive V.P. of Football Operations
National Football League
Where Are We Going?
Working with medical experts and football leaders throughout the sport, USA Football is researching and developing the resources and tools to guide coaches and parents on athlete development.
As players grow physically, mentally and emotionally, so does the teaching, helping coaches challenge athletes in an appropriate way to bring out the best inside them.
2019 Football Development Model Pilot Program
In 2019, USA Football will begin to track and measure data relative to participation, growth and retention of players within football. We will be working with leagues from across the country and obtaining feedback from all major stakeholders of the game - parents, coaches, administrators. Our goal is to measure program effectiveness and positive, developmentally appropriate child experiences.
Stay Informed
Stay up to date on the latest developments on USA Football’s Football Development Model
Rookie Tackle
Learn more about a crucial part in USA Football’s Football Development Model