The second annual "Grow the Game" football summit, an opportunity for Minnesota football leadership to huddle up and develop plans for the short and long-term benefit of the sport, takes place April 27 at Roseville High School.

Speakers such as former Minnesota Viking Matt Birk, football advocate Dr. Uzma Samadani and Bethel University football coach Steve Johnson will share their views on the sport's benefits.

The purpose of the Minnesota Football Summit is a "gathering of leaders in Minnesota football to develop a plan for short and long-range action steps to benefit youth and high school participants/programs throughout Minnesota by analyzing current challenges and opportunities regarding the sport of football," according to a press release.

High school activities directors and football coaches are encouraged to "bring along key leaders in your youth football program." A $20 registration fee includes morning refreshments, lunch, a T-shirt, notebook and clinic materials.

The summit goes from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Topics include best practices for increasing participation, progression of football in the community from touch or flag football to high school varsity and a "Mom's Panel."

Last year's inaugural summit also including the sharing of results from a high school coaches survey. More than half of them said their program experienced a decline in participation.

The summit' purpose is "to develop a plan for short and long-range action steps to benefit youth and high school participants/programs throughout Minnesota by analyzing current challenges and opportunities regarding the sport of football," according to a press release.

For more information, go to www.mnfootballcoaches.com