On today’s episode of Football for All, we are joined by a key uprising component to the sport of football, the female football player. Sam Rapaport is the Senior Director of Diversity & Inclusion at the NFL. At a young age, Sam was involved in flag football and then progressed to the tackle level. Now being in the front office of the National Football League, she talks about the importance of young girls and women involved in the sport of football. The presence of women in the game from playing to getting hired on to coaching staffs is a hot topic in today’s society. Sam is a living role model for any girl who has the dream of playing football or reaching employment in any NFL front office. Listen to her opinions on how football can truly be a game enjoyed by all.

1:21 How Sam got involved with football

2:50 How playing football drove her to work in professional football

4:01 Women’s presence growing in the sport

5:40 Flag football becoming a certified sport at the collegiate level

7:38 Female participation in football

9:22 NFL’s effort to expand female coaches in the league

11:05 NFL’s responsibility to overcome the barrier between playing football to coaching

13:44 The importance of diversity in a coaching staff

15:07 Bridging the gap from flag football to tackle football for young girls

17:22 How the FDM helps female athletes progress forward

18:50 The rookie tackle model shaping youth leagues

20:53 Advice for parents with daughters who are interested in playing football

Learn more: fdm.usafootball.com

On today’s episode of Football for All, we hear from one of the most vital pieces to the game of football, the parent. Christine Golic is the wife of former NFL player and current ESPN co-host, Mike Golic. While being the mother of three collegiate athletes, two of which played youth flag football, then would go on to play at Notre Dame, Christine has been heavily involved in the game of football. In this episode, she dives into her personal connection with football and how watching her sons grow with the game has persuaded her to support the Football Development Model and the mission of USA Football. Christine explains how the FDM impacts parents just as much as their kids who may be interested in playing football. Parents play an imperative piece to their child’s experience with football and Christine offers how she sees that it can be a constructive game starting at a young age.

1:17 Christine’s football journey

2:10 Involvement with the promotion of youth football

3:12 What the game of football gave her sons

4:17 Positive strides in the game of football

5:49 Christine’s involvement in the FDM

7:18 The pillars of the FDM that heavily impact the parent

9:28 How the FDM is advancing the safety aspects of the game

10:46 How flag is an entry point for youth interested in football

12:27 The importance of coach certification in youth leagues

14:21 Advice to parents not involved in an FDM league

15:34 Advice to parents who are hesitant about the game of football

19:11 Something every parent should know about the FDM

21:00 The changes that the FDM will bring to football

22:07 Christine’s family podcast – Sorry in Advance

Learn more: fdm.usafootball.com

The Football Development Model allows a community to develop a program that has continuity between levels and game types from the time a young athletes start playing flag football, all the way to Friday night lights.

In Avon, Ohio, football is thriving at every level through the leadership of Mike Elder, the head coach at Avon High School. He sees himself as the CEO of football from kindergarten through varsity. The approach taken in Avon shows how multiple game types including flag, limited contact, modified games progressing to 11-man football provides a model that is fun and fulfilling and increases participation and retention.

Learn how Avon has implemented the Football Development Model in their community.

Learn more: fdm.usafootball.com

BUILDING A BETTER LEAGUE

EPISODE 6

Leagues have seen a lot of change over the years. This change will make the good leagues stronger and breath life into those stuck in limbo.

Guest:

Bruce Scifres, Executive Director at Indianapolis CYO, Indiana

Learn more: https://fdm.usafootball.com

GAME TYPES

Senior contact, limited contact or non-contact - it's all football. Listen to the differences and benefits of each game type.

Guest:

Scott Heitland, Head Coach at Dallas Center-Grimes High School, Iowa

BUILDING A BETTER COACH

EPISODE 5

Coaches will have to learn a few new tricks with this model. Let's discuss why it's more than worth the effort.

Guest:

Rashad Elby, USA Football's Sr. Coordinator, Education & Training

Learn more: https://fdm.usafootball.com

BUILDING A BETTER ATHLETE

EPISODE 4

Just like the sun is at the center of our solar system, this model is focused on the athlete. Learn how it makes better athletes, not just better football players.

Guest:

Dr. Paul Roetert, Director of Education and Strategic Engagement at NCAA Sport Science Institute

Learn more: https://fdm.usafootball.com

WHY DO WE NEED IT?

EPISODE 2

Once you understand the basics, dive into the background on why this is the perfect time for a new model of youth football.

Guest:

Dr. Stephen Norris, Adjunct Prof. of Applied Physiology at Mount Royal University and University of Calgary

On today's episode. Dr. Stephen Norris, Adjunct Professor of Applied Physiology, Mount Royal University and University of Calgary joins us to discuss why the Football Development is needed as well as the benefits of implementing it. Understanding the purpose of this model can help the youth coach, commissioner, and parent create a better experience for their young athletes. High school coaches will be interested in how the FDM can create an overarching development plan for the football program in their community in grades K-12.

Learn more: https://fdm.usafootball.com

WHAT IS IT?

EPISODE 1

It's a mouthful, that's for sure. Find out what this new model means for you as a parent, coach or league.

Guest:

Michael Krueger, USA Football’s Director of Coaching

What is the Football Development Model? USA Football's Senior Director of Education explains the six pillars of the FDM as well as the process and why it is needed. Youth coaches, parents, and league commissioners, as well as the high school coach who oversees his youth program will find this conversation beneficial.

Learn more: https://fdm.usafootball.com