Independent Football Alliance
America's Collective Representing The Nation's Independent Football Leagues
The Largest Population of Youth Football in America
Start Your Season in Canton
July 2027
Finish Your Season in Frisco
Dec 17-20, 2026
Let's Build Something Great!
Our Mission
We are working with Independent Youth Leagues across America to develop a shared dialogue and create annual programming to help grow youth football and keep Independent Leagues thriving.
No Cost to Join
We are not asking for money. We respect your independence.
Network Together
Attract funding and sponsors without losing independence.
Share Resources
Reduce costs with shared vendors and best practices.
The Challenge We Face
The world does not realize the majority of youth football across America comes from Independent Leagues like yours.
- No access to major funding programs from traditional institutions
- Limited access to major sponsors or national vendors
- Declining numbers in youth tackle football
- Covering increasing costs
What We Believe
United Front for Funding
Network together to attract funding distributed to "national" leagues
National Sponsor Access
Attract sponsors looking to activate national brands across the country
Reduced Costs
Work together to reduce costs with shared vendors and best practices
Our Experience with Major Brands
We have worked with:
Join Us at the Military Appreciation Bowl
We are inviting 50-100 independent leagues in 2026 to have our first meeting at the Military Appreciation Bowl, "America's Biggest Week in Football", this December in Frisco, Texas, home to the Dallas Cowboys.
- 20+ years hosting the U.S. Army Bowl and Military Appreciation Bowl
- No cost for joining
- Share your best practices
- Discuss current challenges
- Find more resources for your league
Our Leadership
Rich McGuinness
Founder & Board Member
A Division II football athlete, Rich played in the Morris County Youth Football League in New Jersey where he met lifelong friends and was coached by several unforgettable mentors. Rich's passion led him to create the U.S. Army Bowl (NBC), The National Combine, The National Youth Championship and The Ride (MTV). Rich has coached at the high school and youth levels in New Jersey.
Joe Kirsch
Founder & Board Member
Founder and owner of WatchGameFilm which provides video solutions for hundreds of thousands of amatuer athletes in youth sports worldwide. Joe has coached at the high school and youth levels in the Seattle area as well as served many years as President of the Redmond Jr. Mustangs youth football organization in Redmond Washington.
Geoff Meyer
Founder & Board Member
President and co-Founder of The Chicagoland Youth Football League, the largest Independent youth football league in America.
We Want to Hear Your Story
Our management team have all played youth football within independent leagues across America. We are proud alumni who played and coached the game and have never forgotten the invaluable experience playing youth football under the leadership of people like you.
We are passionate about football and excited at the possibilities the future holds to grow the game.
We would like to meet you in person. We are currently hosting meetings at the Hall of Fame Village. Let us know if we can bring you to Canton OH or meet you at your place.
Connect With UsJoin the Alliance
Interested in joining the Independent Football Alliance? Fill out the form below and we will contact you to provide all of the details. There is no cost to participate.