Football and Society
Sports are an integral part of our society and provide entertainment for millions of people every year. Although there are countless sports out there, the one that attracts the most attention in America is football. Football has been growing in popularity for years and has gained tremendous support at all levels.
Little League
Most football players get started at the little league level. These are local and even regional organizations that provide structure, coaching, and logistical support for the game. The variety of football can also differ at this level as well. It is common for children to start playing flag football first. This allows the game to be played with a much smaller risk of injury and make parents feel more comfortable with the sport as well. Little league tackle football does exist, but safety must be front and center. If you have a child who is interested in playing tackle football do not be scared to talk to league organizers and coaches. Ask about what they do for safety and what type of certifications the coaches have. There has been substantial effort to help educate coaches to ensure they are teaching the game the right way. Finally, make sure to find a league that is age appropriate. Children grow and mature at different levels and it is important that a 7-year-old is not playing with a 10-year-old.
Highschool
The first major organized football level that people think about and talk about is high school football. Local schools run teams and play against other schools for the title of conference champion and even state champion. This level of football is highly regulated by state athletic boards and is the entry level for large program support. People continue to support and root for their high school teams long after they have graduated. In some regions in the country, high school football is a massive event. There are countless movies made about it and major high school games have even been nationally televised. Additionally, high school is where most players really learn the finer details of the game. A quality coach can make a huge impact on a teenager both on and off the field. High school football is a great way for teenagers to learn teamwork, to learn how to be in the spotlight, and to learn how to work together with others.
College
For those who have the physical gifts and the mental toughness to continue to play after high school, the NCAA football program is where to go. There are hundreds of universities out there with football teams and for those who are talented enough, free college tuition is provided. Scholarship athletes are given the opportunity to continue to learn the game and are given free education in exchange for there on field services. College football is a huge business and has provided opportunities to countless people who would not have been able to afford college without it. Furthermore, like in high school, coaches are given the opportunity to work with young individuals and can often make an impact on a player’s life. Universities use the revenue generated by college football programs to help fund other athletic programs and help expand access to sports to millions of other people. There is a lot of debate over how much money college football programs make. People feel very strongly about the issue of weather or not to pay college players. This has been and will continue to be a debate that rages on, but we must focus on the positives of college football instead of the issues with it. College programs gives players opportunities, generates revenue for high education institutions, create an environment for people to come together to support their teams, and provides entertainment every Saturday for the fall season.
NFL
The highest level of competitive football is, of course, the National Football League. This league is the best of the best. Only about 1.2% of all college players make it to the professional level. These teams are run like a business more then a football program. Coaches work with players and must earn a player’s respect to be successful. The NFL has a huge fan base and makes millions and even billions of dollars every year. The television deals for NFL games are big money and advertisers are always willing to pay a premium for commercial time. NFL football has become more then just a game for the average American. Cities band together to support their local team and their favorite players. People have created entire businesses based on NFL news reporting, fantasy football, and sports betting. The amount of money the league makes every year keeps increasing and its viewership has only gone up. It is true that there has been scandals and bad people have played in the NFL and these stories make national news often. However, the number of programs that the NFL and individual players have started to help local communities is significant and not talked about enough. Players spend time and money to help underprivileged children and these programs has made a massive impact on countless kids. Lastly, the NFL provides entertainment to millions of people every fall and winter. That alone makes the league a valuable organization in American culture.
Football is a dangerous sport to play; however, it is extremely entertaining to watch. The game helps bring people together, it provides opportunities for players, and keeps us entertained on the weekend. It has become an important part of our society and we must always remember that. It does not matter if you are a player, a coach, or a fan. Remember to enjoy the fall football season.