The USMYF and National YPF Program were the vision of Major General Walter A. Churchill, USMC (Ret.). In 1958, MajGen Churchill saw a need to provide the youth of America a program that would put them on the path to a successful life; free of drugs, alcohol, and tobacco; that instilled positive values of physical fitness; and improved self-respect and self-esteem. Designed in conjunction with the Physical Fitness Academy of the Marine Corps, the YPF Program was created to meet those needs. During his tenure as National Commandant of the Marine Corps League (1960 – 1961), MajGen Churchill brought the YPF Program under the umbrella of the Marine Corps League. After MajGen Churchill’s retirement, General Alfred M. Gray, Jr., 29 th Commandant of the Marine Corps, took the reins as Chairman of the Board and lead the foundation until 2024.

The first National Championship was held at the Marine Barracks in Washington, DC in 1966. Female athletes began competing in 1980. In 2010, a separate competition was inaugurated for the Marine Corps’ JROTC program. The National High School Championship traveled to many destinations through the years but spent the majority of the 1990’s and 2000’s at MCRD San Diego. Beginning in 2025 the MCJROTC teams and high schools’ teams will compete against each other for the first time.