Dear Mama on the Fence, I understand your concern. I understand your fear. It seems like everywhere we turn these days, football is getting a bad rep. My son “will never play football. No, no.” – Justin Timberlake, days before he was set to take the field at halftime of this year’s Super Bowl. Pittsburgh […]
USA Football Senior Manager of Education and Engagement Andy Ryland recently volunteered to be an assistant coach for his 8-year-old son’s Rookie Tackle youth football team. A former Penn State linebacker and member of the U.S. Men’s Rugby National Team, Ryland is an expert on tackling and preparation for contact with athletes, consistent with USA Football’s Football Development […]
The following is a first-hand account of a family’s rookie season (2021) in youth tackle football, written through the eyes of a loving father. USA Football’s Football Development Model (FDM), created with insight from leaders across football and health, spanning The Ivy League to Children’s National Hospital, melds the timeless joy of playing the sport […]
Dear Mama on the Fence, I understand your concern. I understand your fear. It seems like everywhere we turn these days, football is getting a bad rep. My son “will never play football. No, no.” – Justin Timberlake, days before he was set to take the field at halftime of this year’s Super Bowl. Pittsburgh […]
I’ve read many articles, and have written quite a few myself, that speak to parents about the value of youth sports for children. But I’m convinced that there’s just as much value in the experience for moms and dads as there is for kids. For 22 years I journeyed through the ups and down of […]
I love giving gifts to my kids, and have to hold myself back at times from going overboard. I love to see the smile, the joy on their faces, even as adults when they open something that I know they want, or something that totally surprises them. The best gifts, however, are the ones that […]
I’ve read many articles, and have written quite a few myself, that speak to parents about the value of youth sports for children. But I’m convinced that there’s just as much value in the experience for moms and dads as there is for kids. For 22 years I journeyed through the ups and down of […]
Playing backup as an athlete in youth sports is a job that is often under-valued. But, it is the hardest, mentally and emotionally for any athlete. If your child is playing on the reserves, substituting, scrubbing, or whatever you want to call it, they are the true warrior on the team. Not being in the […]
Back to school means back-to-school sports, or maybe it’s back-to-fall travel sports for your child. To give your child the best chance for success and to help them fully enjoy the season, your attitude as a parent is hugely impactful. Start your child’s new season with these attitudes and I’m pretty sure you will have […]
Life teaches us that the authority to lead and the chance to lead go hand-in-hand. Your kids may feel that when they’re given the authority—as team captain or co-captain—then they can truly be a leader on the team. But that belief about leadership is not true. Leadership expert John Maxwell explains that “Leadership is influence. […]