I can’t understate the role sports, and particularly football, have had in my life.
As a true-to-the-core tomboy growing up in a family of four girls, I was the “son” my father never had. I prided myself on being a girl who would be one of the top picks when dividing a team, even when the boys were captains.
I vividly remember the excitement I felt getting to stay up late to watch the Atlanta Braves games during their World Series runs. While my sisters played with dolls, I would watch any sport that was on the TV to try to learn the rules.
Fast forward a few years, and football is essentially how my husband and I met and how we ended up here in Jacksonville.
Though we didn’t go to the same college, he and his teammates were at a football game and saw me cheering. Soon enough, I would be cheering for him from the stands during his games. Seeing his dedication to, and love for the sport only increased my love for it.
Now as a mom of three and still an avid fan of sports, I couldn’t be more excited that my daughter will now have the opportunity to do something that was not available to me as a girl growing up. Play football. I am a proponent of putting your kids in a sport. Even if they are not naturally athletic or don’t initially have an interest, sports teach so many intangible lessons in life.
In a world that consistently pushes for instant gratification and a “me” centered mindset, joining a team actively fights against that idea.
It takes patience to learn a sport. Dedicating time and effort to increase knowledge, and ability is a choice you have to make consistently. It teaches commitment to yourself and to others. You want to show up as your best self because other people are relying on you.
It teaches the team-building skills you will need into adulthood like learning how to collaborate with others to achieve a common goal, respecting different perspectives, and handling both wins and losses gracefully.
It reminds us that we can put our effort into something, and it still may not turn out the way we want.
It’s a lesson in resilience that will serve them always. Honestly, seeing the state of the world today, I wish playing years of sports was non-negotiable.
That is why I am so excited about the development in the growing popularity of girls’ flag football, most notably with Future For Football.
Not only is it a fun and engaging way for girls to stay active, but it also offers a safe environment for my daughter to play the game that has meant so much to our family. Unlike traditional football, flag football minimizes the risk of injury by eliminating tackling and other high-impact collisions, making it a great option for parents who want their kids to enjoy the benefits of sports in a safer setting.
Beyond that, it reinforces what I tell my daughter consistently, you can excel in any arena you choose. Her older brother can no longer say that football is for boys. The opportunity for girls to participate in a historically male-dominated sport is empowering and a confidence boost. I can’t wait to sign her up.
