The Vikings are all about football.
At the NFL level, of course, with players and coaches working tirelessly to field their best product on game days.
But the Vikings organization also is committed to growing the sport of football at the grassroots level — something they couldn't do as effectively without a longstanding partnership with the Minnesota Football Coaches Association.
Vikings Director of Youth & High School Football Joe Rush and Coordinator of Youth & High School Football Emily Weinberg emphasized a deep, shared commitment to growing and strengthening the game across Minnesota.
Weinberg expressed appreciation for MFCA and its support of football for all.
"The MFCA has played a pivotal role not only in the tackle football space, but in the rapid expansion of high school girls flag football statewide resulting in more opportunities for girls and women to contribute to the growth of the game at all levels," Weinberg said.
The Minnesota Football Coaches Association is well known throughout the state and nation for its action and impact, including hosting an annual all-star game, youth football and coach clinics, multiple award recognitions and "Tackle Cancer," a campaign that each year raises money for the Randy Shaver Cancer Research and Community Fund. MFCA Assistant Executive Director Dave Nelson chairs Tackle Cancer, which has raised $4.1 million over the past 13 years thanks to the buy-in of communities around Minnesota. Take, for instance, the humble town of Randolph, population 458, which raised a record $70,000 last year.
MFCA Executive Director Ron Stolski, who coached high school football in Brainerd for 46 years and whose overall coaching career spanned 58, has watched the association grow into what it is today and credits the Vikings for helping it continue its impact.
"We have acquired a number of sponsorships, but none is more valuable or appreciated than the Minnesota Vikings. They have been wonderful to us in every way," said Stolski, who has served in his current role for two decades. "What the Vikings have done for us is immeasurable in terms of financial contribution and support in all the things that we do."
Stolski pointed out the Vikings sponsor the annual Mr. Football banquet, which honors elite high school athletes across the state, and are consistently willing to support various fundraisers and initiatives.
"All that the Vikings do, we appreciate all of their entrances into Minnesota football at the youth level and all others," Stolski said. "To say they are a valuable partner would be understating it. We couldn't be who we are and what we are without the Minnesota Vikings."
Added Nelson: "Just to have that Vikings logo associated with our work goes a long, long way."
As the Vikings and the MFCA wrap up 2025, they look forward to many, many years of continued success supporting one another.
"Our mantra is, we call ourselves the 'keepers of the game,' " Stolski said. "And I think the Vikings are the keepers of the game, as well. I don't want to denigrate any other college or program, but nobody, nobody pays attention to the community, to the kids in the community, to the parents in the community, like the Minnesota Vikings."
Rush reiterated the Vikings are proud to stand alongside the MFCA in its mission.
"Together, we've been able to honor the extensive legacy of Minnesota high school football while also creating new opportunities for future generations," Rush said. "Our shared commitment continues to strengthen the game and its impact across Minnesota."
