Panthers to host youth football summit

CHARLOTTE - Youth football administrators from North and South Carolina will gather at Bank of America Stadium on Saturday, June 6 to discuss the state of youth football at the Carolinas Youth Football Summit.

The summit will focus on the success achieved by various programs and challenges that administrators are facing. Representatives from the Carolina Panthers, USA Football and North Carolina Recreation & Park Association (NCRPA) will facilitate the discussion between attendees.

"The goal of this summit is to help youth football programs in the Carolinas be successful on and off the field," said Peter Vacho, the Carolina Panthers military and football outreach manager. "To have a successful season, administrators and coaches know the majority of work is done before the season ever starts. Whether you're a first-year program or in its 20th, the successful programs continually strive to improve year-round.

"This summit will be the first of many that will harness and share institutional knowledge and experiences with those youth football programs that will never quit becoming better."

The agenda will emphasize creating discussion among football administrators to help them work together to find effective ways to grow and support safe successful programs. Attendees will learn about various resources, tools and partnerships that can help enhance their program.

"We are pleased that leaders from North and South Carolina youth football programs have invited USA Football to participate in their Youth Football Summit," said Aaron Hill, USA Football manager for the East Region. "This type of commitment from local communities is the reason that we continue to make the game of football safer at the youth level."

Added Matt Carusona, NCRPA program and marketing manager: "This is a great opportunity to bring together various organizations who are providing youth football programs in our communities. Having open discussion on how we can provide programs that operate to the highest standards will help both the parks and recreation and independent community programs be successful.

"We hope that attendees will walk away with a wealth of knowledge to help them improve the safety and experience for the youth who are learning skills and developing a passion for the game. We are excited to work with USA Football and the Carolina Panthers on this program."

Registration for all attendees is free, but youth football administrators currently working or volunteering in North or South Carolina will be given priority to attend. Space is limited to 115 participants. All attendees will be required to complete an application, and only two representatives per organization will be allowed to attend.

Applications will be reviewed and participants will be notified no later than May 28 if they have been accepted to attend. For more information or to register, visit ncrpa.net/footballsummit.