Disclaimer: Future For Football is an initiative of the National Football Foundation, created to highlight the lessons and values that football imparts. Get involved and sign up to play today by visiting Future for Football for resources, a League Locator tool, and much more.
Watching your children play football or other team sport is a beautiful reminder of how sports can shape and develop their lives in so many ways. It’s more than just kicking a ball or winning a game—it’s learning to trust, communicate, and support each other. Every pass, every cheer from a teammate, builds confidence and unity. Even when they fall or make a mistake, there’s always a lesson to learn and a great opportunity for us as their parents to encourage them to try again. In those moments, they’re not just playing a game—they’re learning to try new things, work hard and support others.
Football season is always our favorite time of the year. The weather starts to cool down, the community comes together to cheer on our favorite high school team. Nights spent at the football field are some of our best memories as a family. My daughter’s high school just finished their FIRST female flag football season. The girls all came together to learn a new sport, work hard and show their classmates how tough they can be! You can find the right program for your child by checking out Football For Football League Finder. Teams are available for all ages and genders!
Are you looking to instill life long lessons in your children that can only be learned by participating in team sports? Continue reading below to hear about how our contributors’ families have been strengthened by introducing sports to our children at young ages and supporting their passions through the years.
These personal stories are brought to you by Future For Football– an initiative of the National Football Foundation that was created to highlight the lessons and values that football imparts.
“As parents to three children, we wanted them each to find their passion in a team sport. In the early grade school years, it was important that they try as many different activities and sports that we could fit into our schedule to find the right fit. We were BUSY, but they each found their passion! Through the years of watching them grow in confidence, their teammates became some of their closest friends and some of our best memories as their parents are from sidelines cheering them on. And if you had told me that what started with early Saturday morning practices, traveling to games, lugging around tons of gear, many victories and some tears, all accumulated into the absolute pure joy of watching my child walk across the field to be honored on senior night. It was all worth it.”
— Angela Barako, Scottsdale mom
“As I watched my daughter play her sport, I saw more than just points scored. I saw life lessons unfold. Her team’s perseverance through tough losses taught her resilience. She learned to support teammates, win or lose, and value collective effort over individual achievements. In one pivotal game, her team trailed at halftime. Instead of giving up, they regrouped, encouraged each other, and fought back to tie it. Though they ultimately lost in overtime, my daughter beamed with pride, understanding that true victory lies in teamwork, sportsmanship, and growth. Through team sports, my child discovered many lessons. She understood that losses are opportunities for growth. She learned that teamwork trumps individual glory and resilience is key to overcoming adversity.”
— Nevin Tawill, Phoenix mom
“The National Education Association states, “Every day, 160,000 children miss school out of fear or intimidation of a bully.” Participating in sports teaches children to stand up to their bullies by instilling confidence, teaching good citizenship, and learning self-control. My children are being strengthened in mind, heart, and spirit every time they step on the field with their team mates. They model leadership and learn to become the best version of themselves—this is the beauty of sportsmanship.”
— Wendi Davis-Grauer, Phoenix mom
“As my oldest son enters into adulthood, thinking of football and all the spots he has played brings me so much joy. I could talk about fair play or teamwork, but more than that, it became a lesson in family. Win or lose – we were there, cheering and rooting for them until the very end. Practicing with dad became the perfect time to talk about everything while we watched the sunset. Teammates and their families became who we did life with. Grandma and grandpa driving over to watch the game became an entire day of just being together. I’m so thankful for the excuse sports gave us to root for our kids at the top of our lungs.” — Kate Eschbach, former Scottsdale mom
Thank you to our contributors for sharing their lessons and experiences with their children in sports and thank you to Future for Football for providing us with the platform to share this with all of you!
You can find out more information about their initiative and the programs offered in Arizona at Future For Football League Finder.
