For many years youth football has been around. In Ohio, in a small town, my boys both play on a youth football team. Their father is their coach. Their grandfather coached their dad when he was young and played on the very same football team.
Our youth football team practices 5 nights a week and they have a game every Saturday. For two months of the year I am consumed with this sport, but I really know why. Playing football taught my boys lessons that they could not learn in the class room or by rough housing at home. These lessons are learned and practiced every fall, and my boys will carry them with them all their lives.
Hard Work Pays Off
Every night my boys are pushed to work hard and do their very best. Working hard is rewarded by the coach by the kids getting to play in the game, while goofing off get them benched. The coaches sticking to their guns teaches the boys quickly that the coaches are not joking. It is difficult to find a child at practice that is not trying his best by the end of the season. The coach knows if they are putting forth their best effort and if they are, they will get more time to play in the game.
You Don’t Always Win, but Winning Feels Good!
I am not one of those parents that sugar coat life, because that is not in the best interests of my kids. Parents need to set their kids up for success in life by congratulating them when they accomplish their goal. Does your boss congratulate you when you come close to making a sale, but not quite close enough?
Not winning every time is a precept that my boys understand. Losing is really not an option that they consider. Striving to win is a lesson my boys have learned. In my opinion this is one of the most valuable lessons they could ever learn.
The Value of Teamwork
Youth Football h as taught my boys the value of team work. They have learned that is takes a group of people to make things happen. Asking for help with a task is something my kids have learned to do if they cannot accomplish it on their own.
This is something that my kids can use in their adult life, as well as now. Many careers require people that can work well with others. In the work environment, teamwork is a highly valued skill. Teamwork in the companies would make the companies more profitable.
Be Accountable For your Actions
Many children have a hard time being accountable for their actions. They are quick to blame others and make excuses for their actions.
Learning to be accountable for their own actions is a lessons my kids have learned. If their team gets penalized because of their action, they need to own up to it. Placing the blame on others does not work.
Responsibility
Football has taught my children that they must be responsible. A requirement for them is to show up in full equipment every day for practice and games. If not they will have to suffer the consequences (i.e. doing laps).e. Jogging). This is another awesome lesson that will pay huge dividends as the child matures into adulthood.
To encourage their players for hard work and dedication, the coaches usually give the players football team giftsat the end of the season.Giving the coaches a personalized football coaches gift is the best way the kids can thank the coaches for their dedication.
Lessons learned from football practice can be taken into other areas of life, and used throughout their lives.