NEWPORT, R.I. – The American Athletic Conference and its member schools are pleased to announce a partnership with USA Football to promote participation in youth football and advance a better and safer game at all levels.
 
“The values and lessons that are learned through playing the game of football stay with a person forever,” said American Athletic Conference Commissioner Mike Aresco. “Our conference is proud and privileged to partner with USA Football to help inspire the next generation of youth football participants and also to ensure that their coaches are well-trained in safe play and skill development.”
 
“Every young football player is our No. 1 priority and the American Athletic Conference shares this commitment through its support of our work alongside other leaders across sport and medicine,” USA Football CEO and Executive Director Scott Hallenbeck said. “Commissioner Aresco and each of The American’s member schools partner with us to advance coaching standards rooted in the best available science for the good of young athletes who enjoy the fun, fitness and other benefits football affords them.”  
 
In the first year of this partnership The American will hold Youth Football Month activities throughout the conference in November. In stadiums throughout the league, fans will see youth football athletes and coaches recognized on the field prior to kickoff. During nationally televised conference games, American Athletic Conference head coaches will be featured in public service announcements in conjunction with USA Football citing the importance of coaching education and player safety. Online, member schools of The American will contribute original content to USA Football’s educational platforms.
 
USA Football trains more high school and youth coaches combined than any organization in the United States.
 
###
 
About USA Football
Indianapolis-based USA Football (www.usafootball.com) is the sport’s national governing body, leading the game’s development for youth, high school and other amateur players. The independent nonprofit partners with leaders in medicine, child advocacy and sport to establish important standards the employ the best available science. USA Football advances coaching education and player skill development for safer play and positive experiences through athletics. Follow USA Football at www.facebook.com/usafootball or on Twitter @USAFootball.
 
About The American Athletic Conference
The American Athletic Conference (The American), which operated as the Big East Conference from 1979 to 2013, is a proud Division I Football Bowl Subdivision member of the NCAA and is headquartered in Providence, Rhode Island. The American Athletic Conference comprises the following 12 member institutions: the University of Central Florida; the University of Cincinnati, the University of Connecticut, East Carolina University, the University of Houston, the University of Memphis, the United States Naval Academy (in football only), the University of South Florida, Southern Methodist University, Temple University, Tulane University and the University of Tulsa. For more information on the Conference and its membership, please visit www.TheAmerican.org.