Gus Bernal was just an interested parent wanting to learn more about coaching youth football.

But once the Ventura resident started doing some research four years ago, he noticed there weren't a lot of resources available.

He finally came across the Web site for USA Football, and began attending the organization's clinics.

He would provide feedback to USA Football's regional representatives, and share his knowledge with other local coaches.

Bernal's devotion didn't go unnoticed.

On Tuesday, Bernal was officially named to the inaugural USA Football Youth Coaches Advisory Committee.

The Ventura Buccaneers coach is one of just eight coaches named to the committee and the only coach representing California.

"Football is probably one of the more complicated sports to teach because you can't just take a parent out of the stands and have them coach," Bernal said. "It is really deprived when it comes to the youth level, and I feel passionate about putting the kids in an environment where they are going to be safe."

Although "not one of your better athletes," Bernal, 46, played football at Burroughs High in Burbank and was on the practice squad at East Carolina University.

He is a head coach for the first-year Buccaneers program and a member of its board. His two sons, Christian, 13, and Race, 6, play in the league.

As a member of the Youth Coaches Advisory Committee, Bernal will test, refine and provide feedback on resources that USA Football makes available to youth football coaches.

USA Football, based near Washington D.C., was started by the NFL and NFL Players Association in 2002 through the NFL Youth Football Fund.

The non-profit organization is chaired by former U.S. Congressman and professional quarterback Jack Kemp, whose wife Joanne grew up in Fillmore and attended Fillmore High.

USA Football has trained more than 16,000 youth football coaches in the last year, and provided nearly $1 million in grants and volunteer background check subsidies.

Bernal hopes to take the information he learns and help other parents move out of the stands and onto the field.

"I love coaching, and when a kid gets what you are trying to coach and starts getting better, that is the reason I do it," Bernal said. "It's just so much fun to see kids grow at whatever sport they are doing."