The American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) is the only national organization solely dedicated to improving football coaches through ongoing education, interaction, and networking. The AFCA membership includes over 11,000 members and represents coaches and several stakeholders within the game of football. Any high school, junior college, international, semi-professional or professional footba
ll coach is eligible to become a member of the AFCA. Founded in December of 1921 by 43 coaches in a meeting at the Hotel Astor in New York City, the AFCA has continued to the push the envelope in regard to the growth of the profession. The AFCA strives to "maintain the highest possible standards in football and the profession of coaching football," as well as to “provide a forum for the discussion and study of all matters pertaining to football and coaching." The flagship event of the AFCA is its national coaches’ convention; which takes place annually during the second week in January. More than 6,000 coaches attend the four-day event. Each year, more than 100 speakers lecture on topics such as concussion management, X’s & O’s, practice and program organization, media relations, career development and much more. Attendees can receive professional development hours which can help with school district recertification, salary points, etc.
