Northwest Missouri State assistant football coach Adam Dorrel has been selected by USA Football as one of six American football coaches – three from the collegiate and high school ranks, respectively – to lead clinics in four European countries from June 21 to July 11 and further strengthen the sport beyond the United States.
The International Federation of American Football (IFAF) Coaching Development Tour, with support from USA Football, will reach approximately 300 youth and junior-based football coaches in Denmark, France, Great Britain and Sweden. The 300 European coaches represent approximately 6,500 football-playing European youngsters aged 6-18 years.
"I’m excited and feel fortunate to be traveling to Europe to help spread American football throughout the world," said Dorrel. "I’m thankful that USA Football has again given me a chance to grow as a coach and given me an opportunity to meet new people in a variety of countries."
Dorrel served as offensive line coach for Team USA as it competed in the 2007 IFAF World Championships played in Kawasaki, Japan. Team USA won the championship with a 3-0 record.
Dorrel will begin his fifth season as an assistant at Northwest and his second as the program’s offensive coordinator. In four seasons as a coach at his alma mater, Northwest is 48-9 (.842) with three consecutive NCAA Division II championship appearances. The Bearcats will enter 2008 with 21 straight wins in conference play and with a 17-game home win streak.
Joining Dorrel on his trip through Europe are: Augustana College head coach Jim Barnes, Univeristy of Wisconsin-Stout defensive coordinator Clayt Birmingham, DeMatha Catholic High School (Md.) offensive line coach Time Breslin, Northern High School (Md.) offensive coordinator Jim Esposito and Northern High School offensive and defensive line coach Greg Horning.
"This is an exciting tour that will further strengthen the understanding of a truly international sport," said IFAF President Tommy Wiking. "All six of these coaches were hand-selected for their ability to teach the game. Thanks to their work, hundreds of European coaches and thousands of players will further advance their football knowledge and enjoyment of our magnificent sport."
Dorrel will give PowerPoint presentations with X’s and O’s and show Northwest game film from the 2006 and 2007 seasons.
"I’ll be taking information on the University and hopefully will gain new Bearcat fans from across the sea," said Dorrel. "I’m looking forward to the trip. I’m sure it will be an experience of a lifetime."