National Team Development Program
The Next Generation of Flag Football Athletes
WHAT IS THE NATIONAL TEAM DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM?
The National Team Development Program is a pathway for flag football players to improve their skills and raise their game. Athletes train, compete, and are evaluated to earn an invite to USA Football's Select Bowl, Stars & States, and U.S. National Team Trials.
The National Team Development Program identifies and develops athletes nationwide through a structured pathway of evaluation, training, and competition.
Athletes participate in Talent ID Camps, the best opportunity to train, compete, and get evaluated by USA Football coaches and scouts, along with Digital Combines and other evaluation events.
As the official National Governing Body, USA Football is building the developmental pipeline to feed future U.S. Flag National Teams competing for TEAM USA FOOTBALL®—one family of teams representing the U.S. in elite competitions, including the Olympics.
You can help support the next generation of athletes on the cusp of greatness and give more athletes a chance to #RepTheFlag by nominating a talented athlete who has the skills, character, and passion to compete at the next level.
USA FOOTBALL
MAXIMIZE POTENTIAL
Select Team athletes are exposed to further testing in-line with the premier offerings provided to the U.S. National Team roster. Athletic potential will be maximized by the engagement with National and Select Team personnel in the following areas:
- Off-season Technical Training
- Physical Training
- Mental Performance
- Strength & Conditioning
- Nutrition & Hydration
- Rest & Recovery
Athletes will receive these resources throughout the year both live (virtual/in-person) and on-demand.
Get Your Athlete ID
Athletes who want to join the National Team Development Program must have a TEAM USA FOOTBALL® Youth Athlete ID ($35) or Adult Athlete ID ($39.50).
Athletes can train, test, and improve their skills at a USA Football Talent ID Camp as part of the National Team Development Program.
Athletes can also be evaluated at Talent ID Camps for a roster spot on a USA Football Select Team, Stars & States Team, and become eligible to earn an invite to the U.S. National Team Trials.
Athletes must have a TEAM USA FOOTBALL® Youth Athlete ID or Adult Athlete ID to participate in a Talent ID Camp.
USA Football's Digital Combine is a virtual platform for evaluating elite flag football talent as part of the National Team Development Program athletes
Athletes who cannot attend a Talent ID Camp can showcase their skills by submitting videos of specific drills through GMTM. Top performers may earn invitations to the Select Bowl, Stars & States, and U.S. National Team Trials.
Athletes must have a TEAM USA FOOTBALL® Youth Athlete ID or Adult Athlete ID to participate in a Digital Combine.
USA Football's Accelerator is a two-day, invite-only evaluation event focused on position-specific development for National Team Development Program athletes.
Accelerators provide athletes with additional opportunities for high-level training, competition, coaching instruction, and exposure to scouts.
Athletes must have a TEAM USA FOOTBALL® Youth Athlete ID or Adult Athlete ID and receive an invitation to participate in an Accelerator.
The Select Bowl brings together top rising flag athletes from across the country to train for the next level of national competition in front of U.S. National Team Scouts.
USA Football offers more than 20 Select Team opportunities. Each team has specially trained coaching staff who lead athletes in the USA Football Select Bowl.
Athletes who join the National Team Development Program pathway and show out during a USA Football talent evaluation event can earn a spot on a Select Team that will compete at the Select Bowl.
Stars & States features emerging flag football athletes from California, Texas, Florida, and the Tri-State area.
There are 16 Stars and State teams across four age divisions, where athletes represent their hometowns in a 5v5 competition, train with top coaches, improve skills, and showcase their talent.
As part of the National Team Development Program, athletes can secure their place at Stars & States by participating in a USA Football talent evaluation event.
The National Team Development Program not only aims to introduce the future generation of athletes to the U.S. National Team Program, but it also stands to identify the next generation of coaches.
Coaches interested in being part of the National Team Development Program start their pathway with a TEAM USA FOOTBALL® Coach ID.
To be evaluated and considered to coach at a Talent ID Camp, you must have a TEAM USA FOOTBALL® Coach ID ($54.50), pass the Advanced Flag Course, complete SafeSport training, and take an NCSI Background Check before participating in a USA Football Event and submitting your application (spots are limited, and final selection is not guaranteed).
USA Football's National Team Development Program provides education and training for flag football officials, along with opportunities to officiate an evaluation or competition event.
To officiate, you must have a TEAM USA FOOTBALL® Official ID ($44.50), complete the Flag Officials Course and SafeSport training, and pass an NCSI Background Check. Spots are limited, final selection is not guaranteed, and all requirements must be completed to be eligible.
National Team Development Program evaluations and competitions are a key step on the pathway to TEAM USA FOOTBALL®.
Athletes receive coaching, performance feedback, and training to help prepare for future USA Football opportunities.
USA Football is the official National Governing Body for American football in the United States, the sole U.S. member of the International Federation of American Football (IFAF), and the only organization that selects, trains, and leads TEAM USA FOOTBALL® in elite international competition, including the 2028 Summer Olympics.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
If you are a parent or guardian of an athlete, you can contact a representative from the National Team Development Program by filling out a form here.
If you are a coach or run a youth flag football program, you can contact a representative from the National Team Development Program by filling out a form here.
Flag football players nationwide are trained, identified, and invited to be part of the next level of competition through USA Football's National Team Development Program.
The program's events prepare and showcase players' character and skill in both practice and competitive environments. Ongoing athlete development is measured and evaluated, with top performances throughout the event cycle earning invites to the U.S. Flag National Team Trials.
The National Team Development Program focuses on helping athletes enhance their skills to become the next generation of talent. The program offers a structured environment for elite skill development, along with opportunities for athletes to demonstrate their abilities in both practice and competitive settings. Athletes also gain exposure to U.S. Flag National Team coaches and staff.
The National Team Development Program (NTDP) is a structured pathway designed to identify and develop the next generation of U.S. National Team flag football athletes.
Athletes enter the pathway through Talent ID Camps and other evaluation events, where they receive elite coaching, combine-style testing, performance feedback, and exposure to USA Football scouts. From there, top performers can advance to Select Teams and compete at the Select Bowl, or represent their hometown team at Stars & States—premier competitions that bring together top athletes from across the country.
Through the NTDP, athletes continue to refine their skills, gain exposure, and compete at a higher level, all leading toward U.S. National Team Trials invite eligibility and the opportunity to represent TEAM USA FOOTBALL® in elite international competition, including the 2028 Summer Olympics.
Coaches join the National Team Development Program with a TEAM USA FOOTBALL® Coach ID ($54.50), where they receive education and training through USA Football's Advanced Flag Course. After completing all requirements, coaches become eligible to apply for Talent ID Camps, where they are evaluated by USA Football personnel for additional coaching opportunities with Select Teams and Stars & States Teams. This program creates a direct pathway for those aspiring to coach the U.S. National Team in international competitions.
Officials join the National Team Development Program with a TEAM USA FOOTBALL® Official ID ($44.50), which provides access to the required Flag Officials Course. After completing all requirements, officials become eligible to be assigned to officiate an evaluation or competition event, where they are assessed by USA Football personnel. This program creates a clear pathway for officials aspiring to officiate national and international Olympic-style competitions.