Upper Deck partners with USA Football

By Andrew Tolentino | Football Editor

Upper Deck and USA Football announced an unprecedented partnership today.

According to details on Usafootball.com, this is the first time that the sport’s national governing body for international competition has paired up with a trading card company. As an official sponsor of USA Football, Upper Deck is poised to make a big  impression on America’s growing youth football membership — a prime audience comprised of players (potential collectors) between the ages of six and 14.

Today’s announcement also foretold some near-future hobby impacts, including special edition U.S. Under-19 National Team cards slated for an appearance in 2011 SP Authentic Football. These cards will feature photography from the early-2011 Team USA vs. The World game (featured in the video below) and a selection of game-used jersey swatches.

“Any effort to promote the great game of football is a step in the right direction and the opportunity to capture members of the U.S. Under-19 National Team on trading cards is one we’re very excited about,” said Upper Deck’s vice president of marketing, Jason Masherah.

USA Football’s executive director Scott Hallenbeck added, “Our national team program and Player Academies will benefit from Upper Deck’s industry-leading work and their commitment to youth football for the millions of kids who love to stay fit by playing America’s favorite sport and gain from the game’s team-first values.”

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bSQnH8cZwNA[/youtube]