The Fall Experimental Football League (FXFL), a domestic developmental league, has been mobilized and is set to debut. It serves as a platform that aims to cultivate the skills of players, coaches, and referees.

The FXFL was founded by Brian Woods, a sports attorney who played football at Mississippi. When executive vice president of the National Football League (NFL) Tony Vincent unexpectedly opened the bidding, Woods pounced into action.

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The league has signed hundreds of players and 25 coaches, and has split them into four respective teams. These teams will play in a six-week season beginning in October.

Development is the focus of the FXFL, with players and coaches hoping to reach the NFL and be available and quality in-season replacements.

Woods hopes that as much as 25-30 percent of players return to the NFL. The NFL teams will be able to monitor the players in the FXFL via a television schedule that will reach nearly 100 million homes by funneling 14 regional broadcasters onto ESPN3.

There will be teams that are based from Brooklyn, Boston, and Omaha, Nebraska. The fourth team was originally intended for Miami, but was transformed into a roving "all-star" team that will play its games on the road.

Currently, there are reportedly 120 players under contract, with 40 making their way into each team. Woods estimates though that about 250 will cycle onto the field at some point during the season.

While the FXFL's quick start and hopes for the future are keeping it afloat for the current season, the predecessors of the league - organizations like the United States Football League and the Xtreme Football league - have all crumbled under economic reasons.

However, Woods assures that they have enough financing to play out the current season, leaving out the comment as to where it is coming form.

Terry Shea, longtime NFL assistant who is handling the Boston team, sees potential in the league. He compares the practices they've had to preparing for a college all-star game.

"They just need some help. I think from an interest category and skill level, we've got a good chance to be successful," he said. 

TagsFXFL, Brian Woods, ESPN3, Terry Shea