THE FUTURE OF FOOTBALL
LEAGUES
Learn more about the Football Development Model (FDM) and what it means for your organization.
FOOTBALL FOR ALL™
The model is USA Football’s framework for long-term athlete development, using guidelines to help develop better people, better athletes and better football players.
What does this mean? It means providing ways to play and reducing contact. It also means teaching the game in a fun and engaging way to effectively meet athlete’s developmental needs based on their individual stages of growth and development.
“The Football Development Model (FDM) is cutting-edge. The depth of content, the quality of the corresponding materials and educational offerings are the new standard for National Governing Bodies.”
GROWING YOUTH FOOTBALL
USA Football works with the Football Development Model Council – a group of medical, football and long-term athlete development experts – to open more paths to the game and improve upon existing ones. Youth leagues should consider the roadmap that this group of experts supports to enhance the game and develop their athletes.
BUILDING SKILLS THROUGH PROGRESSIONS
Helping every athlete grow one step at a time is a key aspect of the model. Football experts from youth to professional levels provided the resources needed to develop progressions for skills like passing and blocking.
Each progression is evaluated to ensure it is logical, repeatable and transferable for every stage and game-type. Then, drills are applied to help teach each skill.
GETTING STARTED
PUTTING IT INTO ACTION
Leagues that implement the Football Development Model are taking the first steps to enhancing the youth football landscape.
From multiple game-types to age-based coach education, implementing the Football Development Model over time will make a positive difference in your community.
SUPPORTING YOUR ORGANIZATION
BETTER LEAGUE RESOURCES
Organizations that enroll with USA Football will gain access to even more resources as they explore how to implement and adopt the Football Development Model.
Resources include in-depth guides for athlete development, materials for communicating with parents and coaches, and information on safety and medical research.