USA FOOTBALL LAUNCHES STARS AND STRIPES FUND, EMPOWERING U.S. NATIONAL TEAMS AND HELPING ATHLETES PURSUE OLYMPIC DREAMS

INDIANAPOLIS, IND. – USA Football, the sport’s governing body responsible for selecting, training and leading the U.S. National Teams for international competition, including the 2028 Olympics, is proud to announce the launch of the Stars and Stripes Fund, a new initiative dedicated to advancing the next generation of American athletes. This fund seeks to support USA Football’s U.S. National Teams while driving the development of emerging athletes nationwide through the National Team Development Program. 

As USA Football prepares for upcoming World Championships, World Games and the 2028 Olympics, the need for financial resources to support our athletes has never been greater. The Stars and Stripes Fund is designed to directly impact the athlete’s journey by reducing barriers to participation, providing essential performance services and delivering a gold-standard experience. 

“We are at a critical moment where the future of the U.S. National Team program and the development of our athletes depend on collective support,” said USA Football CEO Scott Hallenbeck. “Contributions to the Stars and Stripes Fund will ensure that our U.S. National Team athletes have access to the resources they need to excel on the world stage, uphold our gold medal standard and continue to pursue their Olympic dreams.” 

USA Football’s U.S. Men’s and Women’s National Teams have proven their dominance on the world stage. The men have won five consecutive International Federation of American Football (IFAF) Flag Football World Championships, and the women have captured the last three World Championships. 

To remain at the top, USA Football is scouring football fields, tracks, basketball courts and gyms coast-to-coast to find and cultivate hidden talent. This extensive search ensures that the U.S. National Team remains at the forefront of international competition, with top-tier athletes ready to represent our country on the world stage. 

The U.S. Tackle National Teams have produced their fair share of talent as well. Notable national team alumni include Jameis Winston, Mac Jones, Kenny Pickett, Todd Gurley, Jonathan Taylor, Tyrann Mathieu, Trevon Diggs, Trey McBride, Chase Young and many more. 

In total, 15 U.S. National Team alums have been drafted in the first round and 14 have been selected in the second round. Six have gone on to earn All-Pro honors during their time in the league, including Jordan Poyer and Wyatt Teller. More than 75 U.S. National Team alumni have been selected in the NFL Draft and more have found homes in the league as undrafted free agents. 

The U.S. Women’s Tackle National Teams have featured their own set of stars over the years, including current and former NFL coaches Angela Baker, Callie Brownson, Katie Sowers and Jennifer Welter, four-time NAIA Women's Flag Finals Championship head coach Liz Sowers and Women's National Football Conference founder and CEO Odessa Jenkins. 

Donors to the Stars and Stripes Fund will have the opportunity to experience exclusive benefits while playing a key role in the continued success of the U.S. National Team program and the development of football talent across the nation. Every contribution is 100% tax-deductible, and there is no minimum donation required to make a meaningful impact. 

"We are excited to unite our community and offer a way for everyone to play a part in the success of the U.S. National Teams" said USA Football Director of Development Brandon McCladdie. "Every contribution you make helps fuel the growth of the sport and the athletes who represent our country in global competitions." 

To learn more about the Stars and Stripes Fund and to make a contribution, please visit USAFootball.com/stars-and-stripes. 

Together, we can strengthen the U.S. National Teams and support the next generation of football stars. 

About USA Football: USA Football is the governing body of American Football in the United States. As a Recognized Sports Organization of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee and the sole U.S. member of the International Federation of American Football, USA Football selects, trains and leads the U.S. National Teams in tackle and flag football disciplines, while delivering world-class football development resources, sport standards and competitive opportunities to empower athletes at every level. USA Football is committed to ensuring every athlete has access to develop and compete in the game through safer, inclusive and innovative pathways. For more information, visit USAFootball.com.