The Carolina Panthers and Gatorade are pleased to recognize ten youth football coaches from across the Carolinas through the team's Youth Football Coach of the Week program. The program acknowledges the outstanding achievements of volunteer youth coaches who make positive impacts on the lives of their players, the development of youth football at the grassroots level and service to their community. This year's Carolina Panthers/Gatorade Youth Football Coach of the Week class was recognized during a special in-game presentation during the Atlanta Falcons vs. Carolina Panthers game at Bank of America Stadium November 5, 2017.
"The Carolina Panthers are proud to recognize some of the region's most outstanding youth football coaches who volunteer their time to serve their teams and their communities. The impact made by these coaches goes well beyond the playing field," said Riley Fields, Carolina Panthers Director of Community Relations.
The 2017 Carolina Panthers/Gatorade Youth Football Coach of the Week Recipients include:
| COACH | TEAM | LOCATION |
| Sheldon Williams | C-Meck 49ers | Charlotte, N.C. |
| Jonathan Campbell | South Greenville Bulldogs | Greenville, S.C. |
| Al Pace | 316-Sports White Attack | Indian Trail, N.C. |
| Desmond Campbell | Sylvia Circle Demons | Rock Hill, S.C. |
| David Alexander | New Ellenton Blue Devils | Aiken, S.C. |
| William Hardy | Winston-Salem Indians | Winston-Salem, N.C. |
| Brad Piner | Pitt Greenville Titans | Greenvville, N.C. |
| Anthony Meachem | Pitt Greenville Titans | Greenville, N.C. |
| Buster Howard | Lesslie Hornets | Rock Hill, S.C. |
| James Bowens | Pitt Lightning | Greenville, N.C. |
All youth football coaches in the Carolinas whose team participates in USA Football's Heads Up Football program are eligible for the Youth Football Coach of the Week regardless of their team's size, league or division. Coaches are evaluated on their impact on their team, league and community. Nomination forms are distributed by USA Football in late July to Heads Up Football-certified youth league administrators.
