So it’s safe to say we are a sports family.
I remember from a young age being able to go to football games with my family, both our local high school and Auburn University games, and it was always one of my favorite things to do. As a high school student, one of my favorite memories was going to an Auburn game with my dad, and watching the band run out on the field was something that just captivated me.
As young college students, we always looked forward to tailgating and going to the game with our big group of friends. After I got married, we became season ticket holders, and we loved spending our Saturdays on the Plains. To now, sharing those moments with our two boys . . .
We started our oldest in soccer as soon as he was old enough to sign up. And then there was t-ball. And then baseball. And then we added basketball.
So why not football? I mean, it is the South, right?
Our Love of Football
There is truly nothing like a Saturday on the Plains in Auburn watching the Tigers play.
As with all of the other sports, there are many options for football in our area – flag football, tackly football, travel football, etc. and they are offered by both Auburn Parks & Rec and Opelika Parks & Rec.
Find a league near you using Future for Football’s League Locator HERE.
We decided on tackle football with Auburn Parks & Rec for fall this year and our son has loved it! (and our youngest loves watching him play!)
After every practice, he is sweaty and has to tell me about all of the tackles he made and how he blocked for the quarterback. He is big for his age so he loves the success he has getting to the quarterback when playing on defense or blocking for his own quarterback when he is playing on offense.
How Football Builds Confidence in Our Kids
With sports, we have seen our oldest experience adversity, from which he emerged with a sense of confidence that absolutely cannot be taught. He has learned to work hard – and has seen the benefits of that hard work. He has also learned teamwork – what it means to be a team player and to cheer on and motivate those around you. These skills have translated to school and so many other activities, as he has learned to be a leader on and off of the field. I am confident that these skills are strong because of sports, and they will just continue to develop as he continues in sports.
How Football Strengthens Our Family Bond
We also love that we are able to spend time as a family – pretty much every day of the week. We stay busy as we find ourselves at the baseball field, football field, or soccer field pretty much every day of the week and at Jordan-Hare on Saturday when the Tigers play at home.
The sink may be full of dishes and the laundry overflowing, but supporting and watching my kids do what they love is something we prioritize for our family.
Football is all about spending time and making memories with your family, and it has always been a central part of that for us!
Why Football Matters
If you are looking for an activity for your child, I would highly recommend trying football as a way for them to make friends, make memories, and to learn valuable skills that will be a part of their lives for years to come.
And of course, you get to be their biggest cheerleader and supporter!
Future For Football is an initiative of the National Football Foundation, created to highlight the lessons and values that football imparts. Get involved and sign up to play today by visiting Future for Football for resources, a League Locator tool, and much more.
