Florida State to host Next Level Youth Football League for first time
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For the first time, Florida State will host the Next Level Youth Football League, a national program designed to teach kids the fundamentals of the game.
The league was founded 12 years ago by Patrick Walsh, a 20-year head coach at California powerhouse Junipero Serra High — Tom Brady’s alma mater. What began as a flag football program for Walsh’s kindergarten-age son has grown into a nationwide initiative, with hundreds of kids on waiting lists in multiple regions.
Walsh said the partnership with FSU came through connections in college athletics. He linked up with Matt Doyle, Stanford’s senior associate athletic director for football operations, who introduced him to Jeff Cupper, Florida State’s director of player development. From there, the deal was finalized.
“That’s generally how we expand,” Walsh told the Tallahassee Democrat. “Word of mouth and positive experiences lead to new partnerships.”
Other major programs involved with Next Level include Oregon, Cal, Arizona, Arizona State, Florida Atlantic, Texas A&M, SMU and TCU.
Walsh, who played at San Jose State, said he’s excited to visit Tallahassee and work with Seminole student-athletes.
“I’m very excited to meet the student coaches who will mentor young athletes in the Tallahassee area,” Walsh said.
What Next Level Sports offers
The Next Level Youth Football League serves kids from kindergarten through seventh grade. Current FSU players will coach and mentor participants throughout the winter.
Walsh said the goal is to help children develop a love for football, not just chase future opportunities.
Players such as Indiana’s Heisman Trophy winner, Fernando Mendoza, would come out and serve as mentors to young children who hope to be in their shoes, even if the odds are not in their favor.
“Our philosophy is to teach kids the game and help them love it at a young age,” Walsh said.
“It’s still flag football, but if they learn skills and develop that passion, it could help them excel later. Ultimately, our goal is creating a positive experience through great student-athletes and staff at Florida State.”
How can you sign up for Next Level Flag Football league
For parents who want to sign up their kids for the youth flag football league, you can register on the Next Level Sports website. Registration closes on Jan. 26. The season starts on Jan. 16 through Feb. 27. The final week will be the championship game.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Florida State partners with Next Level Sports for youth football
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