Across the country, dedicated coaches, athletes, officials, volunteers, parents and leagues devote significant time and effort to create enjoyable football experiences. USA Football wants to shine a spotlight on those that go above and beyond on and off the field for football and their communities. This is the inaugural year for USA Football Awards, which will recognize outstanding individuals and leagues across several categories.  

USA Football is currently accepting nominations for 2023 for Coach of the Year, Community Hero of the Year, League of the Year and Sportsmanship awards. Interested parties can learn more about each award and nominate candidates by visiting usafootball.com/awards. Nominations close on Nov. 3, 2023.  

Athletes, coaches, community leaders and parents are encouraged to submit nominations for USA Football’s awards. This is the time to recognize outstanding individuals and leagues in your community.  

“USA Football is excited for the opportunity to recognize exceptional leaders and contributors in the youth football community,” said Beth Porreca, USA Football Senior Director of Development. “We hope athletes, coaches and parents take this opportunity to nominate the men, women and organizations that dedicate themselves to providing the best youth football experiences possible.”   

The Coach of the Year award seeks to honor coaches from youth football programs who teach by the principles of the Football Development Model (FDM) and are positive influences on their athletes. This award is for coaches who demonstrate excellence on and off the field through influence, innovation, leadership and vision. 

Community Hero of the Year award nominees should be individuals who leave a lasting, positive impact in their community on and off the field. Exceptional pillars of the community, such as volunteers, parents, officials, etc., are eligible for this award.  

The League of the Year award presented by Riddell recognizes a youth football organization that provides athletes with a safe, enjoyable football experience by embracing the FDM, following USA Football’s League Excellence Program best practices and certifying coaches. Nominees should offer multiple pathways for girls and boys to get involved in the sport.  

Finally, USA Football’s Sportsmanship award will recognize a man and woman at the adult level and a boy and girl at both the junior and youth levels. This honor applauds individuals who most exemplify the ideals of sportsmanship on and off the field through acts such as volunteering, fundraising for community projects and participating in mentorship programs. Age group eligibility information for these six awards is located in the award nomination form on usafootball.com/awards. 

USA Football partners with Riddell and BSN SPORTS, who serve as leaders in protective equipment and team sports apparel, respectively, to deliver its awards.  

For additional information not available on usafootball.com/awards, please reach out to awards@usafootball.com.