FOOTBALL FOR ALL®
THE FOOTBALL DEVELOPMENT MODEL (FDM)
This is USA Football’s new initiative designed to make the game safer by reducing contact and teaching in a way that meets an athlete where they are in their development.
WHAT IS THE MODEL?
USA Football is introducing a new model for youth football. The Football Development Model is designed to help coaches teach athletes based on their age, the skill they are learning and game type. Our approach assists with the development of young athletes and allows them to learn the game and related skills in a progression that best suits them.
This path offers young athletes more opportunities to play the game and choose the type of football that they want to play.
"At its center, the Football Development Model stands for having fun, developing a base of athleticism and learning skills step-by-step. Learning developmentally and age-appropriate skills allows you to compete, which is something kids love and differentiates sport from exercise."
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?
Like many sports, football has changed and evolved over time. Regardless of challenges it has faced, the sport remains “America’s game” with millions of young athletes participating nationwide.
Our model is designed to be a smarter and safer way to play and teach the game. By establishing different levels of contact and game types at each game category, parents can identify the right entry point for their athlete. For coaches, the model helps USA Football further advance standards in coach education and certification.
3.6 MILLION
CONTACT & NON-CONTACT FOOTBALL PLAYERS
SOURCE: SFIA
1,100,000+
USA FOOTBALL COACH CERTIFICATIONS
SOURCE: USA FOOTBALL
1.4 MILLION
NON-CONTACT PLAYERS
2.2 MILLION
CONTACT PLAYERS
84%
OF FOOTBALL STAKEHOLDERS BELIEVE THE
FDM MOVES THE GAME IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION
SOURCE: 2022 USA FOOTBALL BRAND STUDY
90%
PEOPLE BELIEVE COACHES ARE MORE INFORMED ON HEALTH AND
SAFETY THAN 5 YEARS AGO
SOURCE: USA FOOTBALL BRAND STUDY
"I think the Football Development Model will significantly impact the future of football if adopted properly over a period of time across the United States. I think it will change the way youth football is done. I think it will change the way youth football is perceived.”
WHO’S BEHIND THE MODEL?
USA Football created a group of medical, football and athlete development experts to develop ways to improve age-appropriate teaching methods, set standards to reduce contact, and define a progression of game types to benefit athlete development, confidence and overall well-being.
MIKE LAFLEUR ON PROGRESSING THROUGH GAME TYPES
Mike golic on usa football's impact
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE MODEL
The Football for All® podcast has everything you need to know about the model and what it means for everyone in youth football - no matter your role. This podcast includes interviews those from the medical and science field as well as the football field.
Listen to learn what parents like about it, what coaches gain from it and how leagues implement it to create a stronger future for our game and the kids who play it.
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