Our family has always loved football, and so we were thrilled when our young kids showed interest in learning the game too! Flag football continues to rise in popularity and is one of the fastest growing sports among families, and as a mom of young children who are interested in the sport, it is easy to see why! From instilling values of hard work, self-discipline, and camaraderie, flag football is an amazing sport that helps build a well-rounded athlete.
Our kids have been asking about joining a league here in OKC, and we have begun the flag football research process. (Please comment below if you’ve had great experiences in the Metro). We have heard great things about Friday Night Lights Youth Football (registration closed for fall, but possibly open for spring), Oklahoma City Football League, and i9 Sports League.
Here is a great resource if you are also looking to get involved in a flag football league near you.
5 Reasons Moms Love the Option of Flag Football as a Youth Sport
1. Flag football is safe and fun to play.
Flag football is all about fun and introducing children to the game and a safe, non-contact introduction to the fundamentals of football. Whether your child is looking for a way to get introduced to sports, have fun with his or her friends, or hopes to one day become a football player – flag football is a great place to start.
2. Flag football is an inclusive sport.
Flag football is for everyone. Boys and girls of all ages and abilities can play flag football. There are no height or weight restrictions as it is no-contact, so even the little ones can play at a young age.
3. Flag football teaches values and hard work.
There are so many lessons taught in youth sports. And flag football instills values of hard work, self-discipline, and camaraderie, which are life long skills to be used. And of course flag football instills skills of working together to accomplish a shared goal.
4. Flag football builds community.
Community building really is so important for our family. And flag football, specifically local leagues, really help create bonds and a sense of community. Families are able to get together to cheer on their own athlete along with his or her teammates – games really bring families together!
5. Football is steeped in tradition.
This is probably my favorite reason we love football in general – the deep traditions it builds unlike any other American sport. And of course moms love traditions. Whether the traditions are gathering around together as a family to watch Sunday night football, attending college games, or supporting local communities during Friday Night Lights – the tradition football creates is palpable.
One way to get your family excited about football is to attend a Sooners Game or a Cowboys game (only about a 3.5 hour drive from OKC). We recommend getting a tour of the Cowboys practice facility as it’s an incredible and memorable experience for kids!
Dallas Cowboys Practice Facility is fun for kids!
National Football Foundation Supports the Tradition
Also supporting the deep tradition of football is the National Football Foundation (NFF), a non-profit organization that runs programs designed to use the power of amateur football in developing scholarship, citizenship and athletic achievement in young people.
The NFF, along with their Future for Football initiative, does this by inspiring young people to excellence by holding up the greatest players and coaches in the history of the game and ensuring them and their achievements in the College Football Hall of Fame. They develop and promote model football programs as well as provide financial support to high school and college football players who represent their ideal of the scholar-athlete.
Future for Football Resource: Join a Local League
Football is a great way to be involved in youth sports and the local community. Check out Future for Football’s resource page to find local leagues near you!
Future For Football is an initiative of the National Football Foundation to promote and celebrate the game at all levels. Future For Football celebrates the individuals, organizations and communities nationwide who positively impact or are impacted by the sport of football. Follow them on Instagram or Facebook, and you can also visit their website for other helpful resources.
