Entering May, nearly 1,500 youth coaches from nine states had already advanced their game by attending a USA Football Coaching School this year.
In what promises to be a historic and record-setting weekend for USA Football, that number will nearly be matched in one day - Saturday, May 17.
This Saturday, a USA Football Coaching School single-day attendance-record of 1,400 youth coaches will soak up knowledge from USA Football's five coaching schools. All five are conducted in partnership with NFL teams in Baltimore, Chicago, Nashville, Pittsburgh, and San Francisco.
"I feel coaching youth football is a tremendous responsibility and privilege, as its rewards stretch far beyond the game itself," said Chicago Bears Defensive Coordinator Bob Babich, who will serve as the Chicago school's keynote speaker at Halas Hall. "With the impact we can have on a child's life, it's important for coaches to work together to help make our profession as valuable as possible for the youth of today.
"Your responsibility as a coach is never ending and your education will continue no matter what league you are in."
Joining USA Football's keynote speaker roster Saturday along with the Bears' Babich are Pittsburgh Steelers Chairman and Pro Football Hall of Famer Dan Rooney, Tennessee Titans Quarterbacks Coach Craig Johnson, and San Francisco 49ers Strength and Conditioning Coach Duane Carlisle.
"I consider it an honor to have the opportunity to be a part of USA Football," said the 49ers' Carlisle. "As a parent of three boys who play youth football, I know first-hand the positive role that coaches play in impacting children's lives."
"Yes, we're excited for a record-setting weekend of attendance for our coaching schools, but we're even more pleased by what this weekend means for football," said USA Football Executive Director Scott Hallenbeck. "There won't be a touchdown scored or a field goal kicked Saturday, but the game's youngest players will score big with prepared and dedicated coaches.
"With help from USA Football and the 49ers, Bears, Ravens, Steelers and Titans, these coaches - the backbone of the sport - will get ready for 2008 in an exciting way."