A 501c3 Non-Profit Organization

Youth Field Trial Alliance was launched in 2019, attaining 501c3 non-profit status in 2023. Our express purpose is to promote, encourage and help facilitate youth participation in the sport of pointing dog field trials throughout the country. 

Alabama field trial clubs led the way, hosting youth trials over the past 50 years. Other clubs and individuals made earnest attempts throughout the years, hosting both training events and trials for several seasons. Alabama’s half century of hosting well-attended youth trials demonstrates that continuity and consistent opportunities are essential to fostering lasting interest and engagement among young participants. FDSB pointing dog field trials, in particular, face a significant challenge: an aging demographic. To ensure the sports’ continued longevity and health, YFTA believes we must attract new generations who can bring fresh energy and ideas, while preserving the legacy of our rich history, traditions, and proven standards of bird dog performance.

The enthusiasm in the Southeast—particularly in Alabama, Southwest Georgia, and North Florida—where youth field trials have taken strong hold, is evidenced by the large, supportive galleries in attendance, as well as in the eagerness of field trialers to help, host, judge, and report youth trials and conduct training events. 

This past season saw significant expansion and growing recognition of youth field trials in several new states, including Connecticut, North Carolina, Tennessee, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Oklahoma. Additional regions are coming on board in the upcoming season, including Wisconsin.

YFTA is deeply grateful to the many corporate and individual sponsors whose financial support fuels our efforts. While some may not have a direct connection to field trials, they clearly understand that fostering a lifelong love of bird dogs through field trials naturally leads to a greater interest in the conservation of upland game birds and the extraordinary wild places they inhabit—and, in turn, to the preservation and improvement of those vital habitats.

Whether you’re a field trial club member, parent or supporter, you can help grow the next generation of field trial participants. Together, we can provide the encouragement and opportunities youngsters and teens need to get hooked on our great field trial sport. Contact us with questions and ideas. You can also help by following us on Facebook , the FB Strideaway Group, and our YouTube channel.

If you’d like to support us in our efforts via Corporate or Individual Sponsorship, please email us.
All donations are greatly appreciated and are tax exempt. You can securely DONATE online or, if you prefer, checks are payable to:

Youth Field Trial Alliance, Inc. and mail to YFTA, 12410 County Line Road, Pavo, GA 31778

Youth Field Trial Alliance, Inc.

Chris Mathan
Claudia McNamee
Allison Daniels