USA FOOTBALL INTERNATIONAL STUDENT PROGRAM

USA FOOTBALL’S INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS GAINING FOOTBALL EXPERIENCE AT THREE ELITE HIGH SCHOOLS IN NEW ENGLAND

VIENNA, VA. – USA Football, a non-profit organization leading the development and growth of youth and amateur football, is sponsoring a number of international student-athletes this season, including three student-athletes from Germany and one from Ireland, who are attending classes at prestigious New England prep schools this fall.

Paul Mehling (Berlin, Germany), Ruben Austin-Schmidt (Dusseldorf, Germany) and Timm Kiminski (Keil, Germany) each showcased their American football skills for Team Germany at last season’s NFL Global Junior Championship in Detroit, while Glenn Baker (Ireland), honed his skills for a club team in his native country.

Mehling (6-foot-1, 190 pounds) is playing safety, linebacker and offensive line for the Kent School, while Austin-Schmidt – a defensive back/running back - and Kiminski – a linebacker – anchor the defense at Kimball Union Academy.  Baker (6-foot-5, 285 pounds) plays both offensive and defensive line at Cheshire Academy.

“I am very excited that we have two of the USA Football students attending this fall,” said Ted Stewart, Admissions Director for Kimball Union. “I believe both Timm and Ruben will be wonderful additions to the KUA community, while being active both on the athletic fields as well as in the classroom.”

The other two students in the program - Mario Keller and Jonas Kriegler are both from Germany and are attending the Christ School in North Carolina.

USA Football’s International Student Program (ISP) allows top foreign teenage students, who also play American football, the opportunity to take advantage of the wonderful educational and athletic resources many high schools in the United States have to offer.  The program started during the 2006-07 academic year with a total of six student-athletes attending two prep schools in New England and North Carolina.

Student-athletes, ages 16-18, are selected each spring for either a two-year (junior and senior year) or a post graduate program.  Accepted student-athletes are referred to ISP high schools that suit their academic and athletic abilities. The program is funded by USA Football, but student-athletes may also qualify for merit scholarships from their host high school.

“USA Football is proud to offer this opportunity to talented young athletes overseas,” said Scott Hallenbeck USA Football Executive Director. “American football is growing outside the United States and this program is the next step in developing the sport for youth around the world.”

Currently, two high school leagues have agreed to accept ISP students - the New England Private Schools Athletic Conference (NEPSAC) and the North Carolina Independent Schools Athletic Association (NCISAA).

Created by the NFL and NFL Players Association in 2002, USA Football helps youth football organizations keep the sport fun, safe and accessible by offering resources focused on coaching education, league enhancement, officiating development, and health & safety awareness. The organization also serves as the designated United States representative to the International Federation of American Football.

For more information on the USA Football International Student Program, contact Patrick Steenberge, PSteenberge@usafootball.com.