My first born started tackle football this summer, writing a passage into the unknown teen years and “tackling” a solid 10 years of participating in youth sports. Since we have three kiddos, we’ve participated in just about every major sport. From dance and gymnastics to swim, lacrosse, and baseball, there are few sports that we haven’t tried OR that have taken over our family quite like the sport of football. I know I know, we are in Texas and football rules our state in a sport that runs deep with tradition; however, I also know there can be a lot of hesitant mamas to put their child in the sport of football. In a world dominated by digital screens and virtual interactions, youth football remains an invaluable avenue for shaping young minds and bodies. While we have been active in flag football for many years, we are about to embark on our very first season of tackle football!
From fostering toughness and leadership to instilling values of teamwork and discipline, youth football is a crucible where future leaders and athletes are forged. While I personally believe it is valuable to have your child participate in ANY extracurricular activity or sport, today I’m here to put the emphasis on football and share why FOOTBALL MATTERS, because the Future for Football is bright!
LEADERSHIP | Witnessing the complexities of learning a sport, dealing with the discomfort of early workouts, excruciating heat and everything in between, watching the leadership and growth that comes out of the sport of football is truly what matters the most. To start this season off for our oldest, the coaches would give out a PEAR award with a real pear to go with it. The PEAR is an acronym for ::
- Preparation
- Effort
- Attitude
- Respect
This award helped players understand the importance of what they were bringing on and off the field every single day.
One of the most significant benefits of youth football is its potential to groom future leaders. As players progress through the ranks, they often find themselves in positions of responsibility, whether as team captains or influential role models. These experiences nurture leadership skills, teaching them how to guide and inspire their teammates. The sport encourages players to step up, make critical decisions under pressure, and lead by example, a foundation for success both on and off the field.
TOUGHNESS | In an era where challenges can often be solved with a few taps on a screen, youth football provides a space where kids learn the value of resilience and determination. The demands of the sport push players to overcome obstacles, both mental and physical, instilling a sense of grit that translates beyond the field. Enduring tough practices, facing opponents head-on, and bouncing back from setbacks build a mental fortitude that prepares young athletes for life’s adversities.
TEAMWORK | Youth football exemplifies the power of collaboration. Every player is an essential cog in the team machine, each contributing to a common goal. Through shared victories and defeats, young athletes learn to work cohesively, understanding that their actions impact the team’s overall performance. This sense of interconnectedness cultivates empathy, cooperation, and the ability to communicate effectively—a trio of skills indispensable in any walk of life.
DISCIPLINE | Discipline is the bedrock upon which achievements are built, and youth football epitomizes this principle. The sport demands rigorous training schedules, adherence to rules, and the ability to balance academics with athletics. Learning to manage time, prioritize tasks, and stay committed to improvement fosters discipline that transcends sports. These acquired habits become lifelong assets, aiding individuals in pursuing their goals with unwavering focus.
PHYSICAL FITNESS | In a world grappling with sedentary lifestyles, youth football offers a much-needed avenue for physical activity. The sport’s rigorous demands promote cardiovascular health, muscular development, and overall fitness. Engaging in regular physical activity from a young age lays the foundation for a healthy lifestyle, reducing the risk of obesity and related health issues. The importance of physical well-being cannot be overstated, and youth football provides a structured path to achieving it.
MENTORSHIP & ROLE MODELS | Coaches and seasoned players play a pivotal role in shaping young athletes. They provide guidance, knowledge, and serve as living examples of the values inherent in the sport. The mentor-mentee relationships that develop on the field often extend beyond the game, nurturing personal growth and character development. 
FAMILY | Football is absolutely a heavily involved family sport. And I’m sure most sports are, but for our family, I love how football brings not just our family together, but also our community. I know not every dad has the bandwidth to coach, but my husband hasn’t missed a season for our boys. He holds his playbooks close, spends countless hours developing and training his team, and just cares about the mentorship that he’s able to provide both on and off the field!
In a rapidly evolving world, the significance of youth football is undeniable and we are excited to be partnering with the National Football Foundation, an organization that was established over 75 years ago with a mission to promote and develop the power of amateur football in developing the qualities of leadership, sportsmanship, competitive zeal and the drive for academic excellence in America’s young people. We have seen immense growth in our boys throughout their youth sports “careers”, but we have seen undeniable changes during their time playing football. As we champion the importance of holistic development for our youth, youth football stands as a steadfast advocate, nurturing young minds and bodies for a future that demands nothing less than the best.
