VISA Inc., the official payment services partner of the National Football League (NFL), announced recently the launch of its new and improved Financial Football video game in an event in New Jersey with New York Giants stars Eli Manning and Saquon Barkley.
The free video game lets fans ages 11 and older suit up as a player from their favorite NFL team and play a virtual game of football designed to help students learn to make smart money-management decisions.
Research shows 1-in-5 teenage students in the US lacks basic financial skills. Forty percent of adults said that if faced with a $400 unexpected expense, they would either not be able to pay it or would do so by selling something or borrowing money.
As new payment methods such as mobile payments, contactless cards and wearables become more prevalent, it underscores the need for financial literacy starting at an early age and continuing into adulthood.
“Financial Football provides young people in our communities with the tools and understanding of sound money management, helping prepare them for a lifetime of smart financial decisions,” Marianne Mwaniki, SVP and head of Social Impact at Visa, said.
“As the world’s leader in digital payments, we are proud to partner with the NFL to combine the excitement of football and financial literacy to bring otherwise difficult money matters to life for students,” Mwaniki added.
Financial Football features improved 3D graphics and enhanced game play. It challenges players to answer multiple-choice and true or false questions to advance down the field in order to score a touchdown.
The latest version of Financial Football, makes financial education accessible to everyone, no matter how or where they choose to play.
The game is available through iOS and Android apps and online. Visa has joined with 49 state governments and the District of Columbia to distribute copies of the game to middle and high schools in those regions.