Riddell and AFCA Extend Strategic Partnership with Expanded Multi-Year Agreement

DES PLAINES, Ill. (April 29, 2026) – Riddell, the industry leader in football helmet technology and sports protection innovation, today announced a multi-year extension of its partnership with the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA), expanding support for the coaching community. With Riddell now recognized as an official corporate partner of AFCA, the relationship builds on a shared investment in advancing the game through education, innovation, and coach development, equipping coaches to teach, lead, and grow the game.

Riddell and the AFCA have collaborated to elevate the role of coaches across all levels of the game and within football communities nationwide. Through the continued partnership, both organizations will create opportunities for meaningful dialogue around the evolving football landscape—ensuring coaches have access to the resources and tools needed to uphold the highest standards in coaching and player safety.

The partnership will also provide Riddell with direct feedback and insights from the coaching profession, while helping coaches stay informed about the latest advanced protective technologies introduced to the game. Notably, they will remain at the forefront of the expanding role of head impact data through the InSite Analytics system that can support more confident decisions to enhance athlete protection and team performance.

“Coaches are the most influential force in football—they set the standard for how the game is taught, played, and experienced,” said Allison Boersma, President & CEO at Riddell. “Our partnership with the AFCA keeps us closely connected to the coaching community—so we can listen, learn, and continue to evolve how we support the game.”

Additionally, Riddell has been named the presenting sponsor of the AFCA 35 Under 35 program, an initiative that identifies and develops rising leaders in the coaching profession. The program plays a critical role in shaping the future of football by providing emerging coaches with mentorship, education, and professional development opportunities.

“The AFCA is proud to continue its partnership with Riddell, a recognized leader in our great game of football,” said Craig Bohl, Executive Director of the AFCA. “Like the AFCA, Riddell believes no other sport has the power to shape lives like football, and this partnership will help both organizations continue to champion that mission for years to come.”

As a corporate partner, Riddell maintains a leading presence at the annual AFCA Convention—one of the premier gatherings of football coaches—through experiences that bring coaches, equipment managers, and their support staffs together.  Riddell also supports key AFCA initiatives and engages directly with attendees through dedicated presentations and hospitality, strengthening its role as a trusted partner. The 2027 AFCA Convention is scheduled to take place February 14–16 in Indianapolis.

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About Riddell
Riddell was founded with a goal of giving back to the football community while advancing and improving athlete protection. As the long-standing leader in football head protection and protective athletic equipment for 95 years, Riddell is leading the game to a strong future by creating a path to next generation protection. Riddell also offers best-in-class reconditioning services to help ensure athletes have access to clean, sanitized, and recertified equipment. Off the field, Riddell’s licensed collectibles business is regarded as the cornerstone of football collectibles for fans and collectors of college and the NFL. For more information, visit www.riddell.com or follow @RiddellSports on Instagram, X, TikTok, Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

About AFCA
The American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) was founded in 1921 to ensure that every football coach receives the finest professional development, support, and resources available. The AFCA has over 11,000 members and represents coaches at all levels.  AFCA is committed to football coaching education and helping coaches reach and exceed goals for success with the AFCA professional development series, along with industry networking.  Membership provides a forum for coaches to find professional football coaching jobs nationwide. For more information, visit www.afca.com or follow @WeAreAFCA on Instagram, X, Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube.