MINNESOTA VIKINGS PROVIDE USA FOOTBALL COACH CERTIFICATION FOR YOUTH LEAGUES

Minnesota kids to benefit from youth football’s nationally accredited coach certification

For the good of young athletes who love the fun, fitness and friends gained through youth football, the Minnesota Vikings will provide USA Football Youth Coach Certification for 2,000 Minnesota coaches in 2021.

The Vikings and USA Football, a member of the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC), share a commitment to young players and their families. USA Football’s Youth Coach Certification, nationally accredited by the United States Center for Coaching Excellence, provides industry-leading and forward-thinking youth coaching standards.

USA Football’s Youth Coach Certification aligns with USA Football’s Football Development Model to help coaches develop the whole athlete based on a child’s age and stage of development. Introduced in 2020, the Football Development Model aligns with the USOPC’s American Development Model for healthier and smarter youth sports.

“The future of football is in the hands of dedicated youth coaches and mentors. They are giving their time and energy to teach our game to the next generation,” said Minnesota Vikings Owner/President MARK WILF. “We owe it to them to ensure they are properly supported and USA Football certifications are helping provide the tools they need.”

“The Vikings’ continued commitment to be leaders and champions of youth football families is extraordinary,” said USA Football CEO & Executive Director SCOTT HALLENBECK. “We stand with the team in its inspired goals. The Vikings’ generosity enables thousands of kids to experience the fun and fitness of football this season with coaches who are empowered to teach the sport smarter, safer and better.”

Youth football coaches whose leagues enroll with USA Football are eligible to receive the Vikings’ support. Free USA Football enrollment is open to all youth football organizations at usafootball.com/programs/enrollment.

Since 2012, more than 700,000 coach certifications have been completed through USA Football, spanning all 50 states, Washington, D.C. and 10 foreign countries across four continents.

About USA Football:  USA Football designs and delivers premier educational, developmental and competitive programs to advance, unify and grow the sport. As the sport’s national governing body, member of the U.S. Olympic Committee and organizer of the U.S. National Team for international competition, USA Football partners with leaders in medicine, child advocacy and athletics to support positive football experiences for youth, high school and other amateur players. Visit usafootball.com to learn more.