How Youth Football Keeps Your Child Healthy

In a world where Netflix, Tik Tok, and Fortnite are at the forefront of our kids' lives, how do we intentionally keep them healthy, active, and strong? Although the Covid-19 pandemic has presented some rather unique challenges to the world of athletics, youth sports are an essential part of your child's development, especially now. Today, kids are even more eager to get out and run around, which is why it is so important for us as parents to give them opportunities to do just that!

As a coach, I've seen the significant impact that youth sports can have on a kid's life. I've seen the chubby, awkward kid transform into a confident athlete who is both physically and mentally healthy. There's nothing like it. The habits they begin forming now are the ones that will carry them into adulthood. Do we want one of those habits to be binge-watching Netflix? Or would we rather them create a routine of fun and healthy exercise?

Why Football?

Youth football, specifically, provides your kids with significant health benefits that will last a lifetime. Will placing your child in a youth football league guarantee him or her a D1 football scholarship one day? Of course not. But, that's not the point. The multitude of ways that playing football keeps our kids healthy and happy is more than enough reason to allow them to participate in the youth football experience. Now more than ever.

Stretching & Running & Jumping, Oh My!

So, it turns out milk isn't the only thing that builds strong bones. It has been proven that playing football helps kids build both strong muscles and bones. Compared to other sports that are either high-cardio, high-strengthening, or aerobics-heavy, this is the sport that covers it all. Football practices are extremely well-rounded. In just a couple hours, athletes stretch, run, jump, push, move side to side, and so many other dynamic, aerobic, and cardio exercises.

60 Minutes A Day Keeps the Obesity Away

The CDC recommends kids get at least 60 minutes of exercise per day in order to prevent childhood

obesity. Funny thing is that 25, 10, or even 5 years ago, it was a piece of cake to make sure our kids got their daily dose of physical activity between P.E., recess, sports, and playing outside with friends after school. But now? Technology has taken the place of many of the things that keep kids active. Playing youth football builds that 60 minutes per day right into our kids' schedules. It provides them with accountability by forcing them to put down their devices, while also giving them a chance to connect with other kids their age.

Just Do It

We are living in a time of uncertainty. It is understandable why so many parents have become even more concerned and cautious when it comes to the health and well-being of their children. But when it comes to giving your kids the opportunity to play youth sports, the decision is easy. You're not saying yes to football. You're saying yes to a healthy life for your child.