FOOTBALL FOR ALL®
The Football Development Model reduces the contact and raises the fun.
WHAT IS THE FOOTBALL DEVELOPMENT MODEL?
It’s a new model for youth football. It's designed to make the game safer by reducing contact and teaching the game based on an athlete's age, the skill they are learning, and game type.
WHY SHOULD I CARE?
This model was created with your athlete in mind and designed to improve their experience in America's favorite game. As parents ourselves we want the game to be safer for all involved. Here’s how the model does that:
- Reducing contact in practices and games
- Educating and certifying coaches like never before
- Learning in a progression – by an athlete’s age, each skill (i.e. passing, blocking) and game type (Flag, Rookie Tackle®, Senior Tackle™)
- Offering more ways to transition from the back yard to a full field
Hear it from Mike Golic, a dad who’s been around football his whole life and seen the positive changes this model brings.
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
HOW IS THIS BETTER FOR MY ATHLETE?
Full-field tackle football can be very complex – so many positions, plays and strategies. That’s a challenging way to introduce the game to a young athlete or parent new to the sport.
This model makes it easier to get started. No matter your athlete's age, skill level or way they want to play, there’s a game type that meets them where they’re comfortable. As he or she develops, more complexity and competition is added gradually. From Flag to Rookie Limited Contact™, your young athlete will gain skills and confidence as they continue on the path to Senior Tackle™.
This model offers many ways to play and many reasons to stay.
LEAGUES COMMITTED TO ATHLETES
Discovering a league nearby isn’t always easy. When possible, it’s important to look for more than just the closest organization. Only USA Football’s League Finder showcases organizations that put your athlete first by following best practices and recommendations that prioritize the development of your child and all athletes.
SUPPORTING ATHLETES: COVID-19 & MENTAL HEALTH
This free webinar with Ohio State sport psychologist Dr. Chelsi Day and USA Football's Senior Director of Education Michael Krueger is designed to support athletes mental health.
Topics included behavioral things to look for, strategies for talking to our kids, tools, resources and advice for practicing our own self-care.
A NEW PODCAST FOR EVERYONE INVOLVED
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE MODEL
The Football for All™ podcast has everything you need to know about the model and what it means for you and your kids.
This podcast includes interviews from the medical and science field as well as our favorite type of field - football.
Listen to learn why parents love it, how coaches will use it to and how your league can implement it to create a stronger future for our game and the kids who play it.
GET THE COACH PLANNER APP
The USA Football Coach Planner app is not just for coaches. Ever want a better idea of what's going on at practice? Want to know what your coach is looking for in a drill? Parents that use the app will get a crystal clear look at practice and their child's football journey.
Each week in May, you'll find Home Hustles that showcase football activities and exercises like squatting and galloping to help your child keep busy. To get access, just join one of USA Football's teams.
EVELYN GUAS ON THE BENEFITS OF FOOTBALL
STACY FITZGERALD ON CHILD AGE DIFFERENCES
STAY CONNECTED
Fill out this from to sign up for our Football Development Model Newsletter. We’ll share articles, tips and content with you. Get a better understanding of the model or share content with your league and coach so they can learn more.
- Resources for parents to help their athletes develop football skills
- Downloads for coaches to help tailor drills and practices to their athletes’ stage of development
- How leagues can learn more about the Football Development Model and athlete development pathways
- How to bring the model to life in your community