Youth Tackle Football Experiences

I had a similar situation with my son and we decided to keep him in baseball until he was middle school. At that time when football was offered to the 7th graders, he could make an "informed" decision regarding participation. In the meantime, he stayed with baseball and developed those skills. Now that he is in 7th grade, he is going to try football taught by professional coaches so his first experieince with the sport will be worthwhile.

I cannot tell you my experience with tackle, but my boys were in flag football.... Like you said, it's pretty intense.. not only did we have practice, but they had to learn the plays.. My boys were 10 yrs (twins), so I don't know if they would have 5 year old boys learning plays or not, but you had homework-- to learn the plays at home... My boys really enjoyed it. WE have done soccer in the past and really enjoyed it.. they wanted to try football, and I thought it was a great idea for them to try something new. Good luck!!

My son played his last season of PeeWee football this past season and will play Jr. High ball this comming school year. The league he played for played tackle from the first year to the last, full high school field. The age groups were bantams, jr.'s and sr's. He missed out on the bantam years because of a health problem and surgery, but loved every minute of the other 4 years. The 2 weeks of conditioning is very important to insure thier little bodies are ready for running up and down that field for over an hour during games. The part my son loved the most is that he couldn't hear the parents on either side say anything ugly reguarding the game or players like in baseball. He also had wonderful coaches, that helps too. We loved it and I have to say as his mom I am going to miss being able to be so involved in his sports...It's just not cool for mom to sit in the stands during practice for Jr. high ball...I say, if he wants to play, let him play his little heart out, it will be good for him. Just remember, they do have pads and helmets when you see yourbaby get knocked to the ground or when he knocks someone to the ground. The worst injury my son had was a jammed finger, but freak things can happen and are rare. Best wishes and good luck to your little guy.

My son is now 11 and he plays tackle football. He didn't start until he was in 4th grade, so I'm not sure that my advice will be of any help to you. If your son hasn't played football before, I would suggest not letting him play tackle. Flag football is a good place to start and is just as intensive. You have to really love the game for the things you go through to play it. And if you decide that tackle football is for him after all, then a month before he starts practices you need to start conditioning him at home. Have him start out running in the heat for 20 minutes and then work up to 30, etc. And make sure he eats a lot of fruits and drinks alot of water, limits his junk food and no cokes and limit the juice. His body needs to be ready because football coach's aren't known for their kindness when it comes to tired kids.
Good luck and enjoy! It's a very exciting game!

Both my sons played flag football starting around age 6. One of them loved it and began playing tackle in the 5th or 6th grade with WAYA/Corsairs (and now plays for his high school team). I will say tackle football at that young age is a HUGE commitment and extremely taxing in the Central Texas weather.

My other son had such a bad experience in flag football (overzealous coach who thought the 8 year olds should be running laps when things didn't go well) that he quit sports all together after his brief football endeavor.

Personally, I think 5 is a bit young for a schedule that requires 5 days a week workout. This is a kid we're talking about. Yes, they need physical activity but their young bodies do not need the stress of every day intensive training. That said, I would try flag football first. If he loves that after a year, let him try tackle. Just don't force anything on him he doesn't already want.

I would second the opinion about the medical advice. Please check with your pediatrician for his opinion, but I've always heard that tackle is way hard on their developing bodies - we have been in flag football and that has been a happy medium for us.

Hope this helps!
A.

A., Since I was a teenager, I swore that I would NEVER allow my boys (if I had any) to play football. A close friend, however, talked me in to it, and my 10-year-old played for the first time last year. Shockingly, I enjoyed watching him nearly as much as he enjoyed playing. Yes, the pre-season practices are hard, but it is really good for them in many ways. Physically, maturing, obeying authority and direction, commaraderie, sportsmanship, etc. Even as skeptical as I was for 10+ years, I would encourage you to allow your son to play. I don't regret it at all.

What league are you playing for? 5 year olds don't typically play tackle. Not until 6-7 but most leagues are 7. 5 year olds play flag. This gives the kids the chance to learn conditioning and the basic fundementals before going into pads. Flag teams typically only practice 2 days a week because it is to much for the little guys. I have 3 boys and 2 play football. My oldest is 10 and he has played tackle for 2 years. Yes he has gotten hurt both years. But he healed and kept playing. He loves the game. I also have a 7 year old that played flag last year and he liked it but couldn't wait to get into pads this year. Football has been a great experience for all of my boys. My 4 year old can't wait till it's his turn. They have learned alot and made alot of great friends. If your in the Schertz, Cibilo area check into BVYA, we played for them when we lived in that area. They were a good organization.

Well, only you know how your son will take tackle football. I tried to tell my husband our son (6 at the time) was too young and immature for tackle football - but he insisted we put him in anyway. Well $80 and MANY crying fits/tantrums later, he agreed that maybe it was too much for him.

My oldest (14 now) started with flag football in the 5th & 6th grades to learn the basics of the game without the threat of being pummeled out on the field. Now he is very good at it and loves playing.

The young one loves t-ball and as he gets older, we will try flag football first if he wants to do football. Then he can decide if he wants to move up to tackle.

Good luck - but trust your instincts first and foremost!

My son is waaay into sports and is one of those that is good at a lot of what he tries. He is also a lot taller and bigger than most boys his age. I've had many fathers/coaches approach me about him playing tackle since he was 4. I've had him in every sport alternating seasons and whatever he chooses. Football and basketball are his favorites. He's played flag football for years and he dominates (to where it's almost embarrassing...like Dash on the Incredibles:). I was seriously considering tackle a couple of years ago, coincidentally at the same time as one of my girlfriends was looking into it for her son. She asked her son's doctor and he was super adamant that it was not appropriate for their young bodies, particularly their bone development. He also told her that by age 12 (if they are big enough) is when it effects their bodies less, and more appropriate to begin.
I know their are a LOT of people who think "they'll be fine" but I didn't want to risk it for my son. We've played a lot of flag....and soccer, baseball, basketball, swimming, and skateboarding (he loves it all so we alternate). Because my son's body is the average size of a 12 year old, I'm okaying it this fall at age 10. This will give him a year before he starts in middle school also. Because I have a feeling he's going to want to do it all there, too.
I had to share because this was something I wondered about for a long time. I was so happy for insight from a professional before I jumped into it from the hype of all that is fun about football. I feel like I've done something wise for my son's body.
Hope this helps.

Hi A.,i'm from a big footballtown,and at 5 they play football but not near that harsh they have practice twice a week like all childrens sports,so i'd have to say call you Chamber of Commerce they can help you out .
Lanettte

My neighbor is a coach for football. All 3 of his boys played football starting at the tender age of 5. The boys are fine. The coaches make sure they have enough water. From the sidelines it may seem like too much, but you would be surprised just how much they enjoy it. Try it, he will love it, and if not then you have nothing to worry about next season.

In my area my son can't play tackle until he is 8. However, my nephew played tackle and his workouts were tough like you explained. He is on the small side and I thought it would be too rough on him. It was the opposite. He did great and the discipline he got from doing things as a team really improved his overall attitude. Just make sure your child stays hydrated. It's tough to watch them work that hard, I know, but it is great character building. I coached my son's flag football team last year and it was a blast. I always brought extra water to keep them cool in case a parent forgot. Any time the temperature is high they need more water. Good luck!

Hi A.!
How exciting!
I say "go for it". We have had nothing but great experiences and FUN in football. We have three children ages 10;7;4. We decided early on, when our daughter was 5yrs old that we would let them "try" all activities and let them decide which ones they wanted to continue. Well, our daughter who is now 10 started out with tball in the Spring, Soccer in the Fall and Basketball in the Winter. She's also taken Karate and Dance(tap/ballet). Well, soccer seemed to be her forte and she absolutley loves the sport. She is now an Awesome soccer player and is looking forward to the Fall Season. Our son (7yrs) started out in Basketball in the Winter, Tball in the Spring and Flag Football in the Fall. We call him our "little allstar" because he is doing very well in all three. His favorite, however, is Football. This will be his first season in full gear and he is VERY excited about "suiting up". Our 4 yr old will be starting soccer, soon. :o)

If you are concerned about so many practices, I do find that we, as parents, are more involved in the football league, compared to all the other sports. The two week conditioning is very time consuming but after the first two days, I've found that my son is "fired up" and can't wait for the season to begin. He loves it and that's all that matters to me.

I suggest you try it and just have FUN!!

Take Care!
D.

http://www.lojaguars.org/
(link to the Live Oak Jaguars)

http://comalsteelers.com/home.html
(you'll notice a change in name from Comal Steelers to The Canyon Jr. Cougars)

I notice you live in Cibilo. I'm sending you our link. Contact our President and he will let you know which league is closer to you. Our league is a new Branch from the Live Oak Jaguars (Live Oak/Universal City). Due to population growth in Cibilo and New Braunfels, they decided to branch out into our area. They are a "no boundaries" league. Therefore, you will be able to choose which league/team you want your son in.
Your son is 5 and will not be in full football gear and will not be tackling. At this age they teach them the basics and rules of the game. They wear the team Shirt and shorts but will be playing Flag Football. Next year he'll move on to the "Midgets" and will be in full gear and will be taught tackle football.

Good Morning A.;

I'm sorry, but, 5 years old is too young for tackle football.
Flag ball maybe, but, I wouldn't even have him do that, it
can also be rough.
I couched YMCA tackle ball for 6 years, but, there they have
a starting age, it is also the best program because it is
6 man and each child gets to play. Talk to your local YMCA
about their program.
Just because he wants to now, don't let him, his bones are
just now starting to develop!
Best,
B. C

My son just turned 9 and is in his first season, I only wish I had started him sooner. I completely disagree with starting them later, when the more skilled players will have (possibly) years of experience in tackling, not to mention they are much bigger. Yes, it's dangerous, but the coaches (at least our team of 6) Know what they are doing and keep them safe.

The initial two weeks (5X) go by fast and then it is down to three times per week as the maximum allowed, some coaches may not follow that schedule. I have made some great friends already and it will be amazing to have a great group of kids "grow up" together, helping each other on the field, sharing victories and I suppose picking each other up builds a tight "brotherhood."

My son's team is undefeated and the last game was a tough battle, beating the #1 team in the league, it was amazing to see their hard fought triumph! They've won every game, but never celebrated like that before. What a sight that was!

It is a commitment for sure, but certainly one worth making.

I would let him be your guide - that sounds WAY too involved and strenuous to me, but then again I have never been very athletic myself. I am probably over-protective, but I would think that 5 day a week practices would be too much, especially if it is strenous and in this Texas heat - if he loves it and finds it fun once he starts, fine, but if he seems to suffer or feel pressure from the coach, I would pull him out in a heartbeat. He's still little! I would watch for how the coaches treat kids that age - if they push them too hard, like the high schoolers, I would't go for that either (there's plenty of time for all that pressure when they are old enough to choose to go through it). But, that's just me and my two cents! My kids play sports and love it also, by the way, so I have nothing against sports; I just am wary of how stressful sports can be made by the adults (coaches and over-eager parents) who are trying to re-live their athletic careers through kids who are supposed to be learning sportsmanship and how to have fun. You sound like a good mom so I am sure you will guide him in the right path, just don't be afraid to take him out if you don't feel comfortable w/ it.

Good luck!

Hello,

Did you think about flag football. My son has played it for 4 years now and will play another year before I put him in tackle football. He is 9 now. I feel that they are still developing and all that hitting can cause damage to their bodies. Some coaches are to serious and take the fun out of the sport. You don't want to discourage him at a young age.

Have a great day

44 year old single mom of a 9 yr old

Wow! I didn't realize at age 5 years they gear up to full uniform. My son is also 5 years old and would love to play football. Could you please tell me where you considering registering him for football?

my name is J. knight i am commissioner of pee wee football in trinity .your son will be fine we watch them very close jackie goodall is my head coach.in summer we do morn camps its not manditory its just conditioning.no contact. my number is ###-###-#### p.s he has to be 6 by sept thank you

Hi A.,

I have two sons 6 and 9 who both play football. My oldest has played for 2years and my youngest has played for 1. They really love it and my husband and I really enjoy watching them. They have been playing for the same coach and we've made alot of great friends in the process. My kids only practice 3 nights during the week and on Saturday mornings before games start. Then the games are on Saturdays. They do start in August however and it is really important for the kids to get used to the heat before they start padding up. My kids played in a tackle tournament Memorial Day weekend and it was miserably hot!! They play Spring and Fall Football, so one starts cold and ends hot and the Fall starts hot and ends cool.
The 3 day a week practice commitment does get old after awhile. My husband and I both work full time, so it's crazy sometimes, but my boys are the type that need lots of activity ALL the time!! It has kept me sane, needless to say.
Anyway, it's been a great experience for our family and they are looking forward to playing again in the fall. I'll be happy to give you some more info anytime.

Hi A. - Are you sure it is 6? My experience is that they start when they are 8 or 9! If it is 6, I believe that it is too young. Find a flag football program and put him in that for a couple of years. My Dad played football in college and was a coach and he advised that we not start our son early (he actually felt that he shouldn't start tackle until he was in 7th or 8th grade) but we allowed him to start playing tackle at 10.Other than your unavoidable "Daddy Ball", the experience was fine. Not sure about the extensive practices - but if they are only and hour or hour and a half at a time, it doesn't sound extreme at all. Any type of workout for an hour or so would be a good thing! My advice is to wait until he is at least 8 but preferably 10 - in the meantime, find a flag football league so he can begin learning the game!

Good luck -

K.