Henrico to host Mid-Atlantic regional for Pro Football Hall of Fame's World Youth Championship
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Some of the best youth football players in the Mid-Atlantic region will be in Henrico later this month, hoping to earn a trip to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
The Hall of Fame's World Youth Championship will crown its Mid- Atlantic champion at Glen Allen's Glover Park during a four-day tournament Nov. 29 to Dec. 2. Teams from Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina will compete for the title. The winner will advance to the championship rounds next month at the Hall of Fame's new $800-million Johnson Controls Pro Football Hall of Fame Village in Canton, Ohio.
“We’re excited to host this year’s regional qualifier event for the Pro Football Hall of Fame World Youth Championship,” said Richmond Region Tourism President & CEO Jack Berry. “Youth sports continue to be a big driver for tourism in our region. We’re looking forward to hosting families and athletes from the Mid-Atlantic area as they compete in the qualifying event.”
Teams will participate from seven unweighted divisions, four weighted divisions and three all-star divisions.
In addition to Virginia, regional qualifying events will take place in 12 other states, so that teams can drive to early-round games without incurring huge costs to play. Teams were invited Nov. 2 after organizers considered more than 2,500 teams.
“This youth championship series, the biggest in the history of youth football, will feature athletes and coaches competing in the most exciting post-season weekend in football with every team aiming for the championship," Pro Football Hall of Fame President David Baker said. "Just as important, all of these fine athletes, win or lose, will be immersed in the values of football through the Game for Life Program authored by the Pro Football Hall of Fame and its Gold Jacket members that teach life skills that serve athletes beyond the game of football.”
Teams that advance to the world championship round in Canton Dec. 13 to 16 will take part in a national media day, a red-carpet ceremony with Gold Jackets and the Game for Life program that provides leadership and character development to all athletes and coaches. All championship games will be televised or streamed on CBS Sports Network.
