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.
I am in my 10th season as a coach’s wife. I’ve watched my husband pour his heart and time into the youth in our community. Teaching them that character matters and that their values and mindset will get them through the most difficult life situations. He spends hours watching films in order to make sure he prepares his athletes to the best of his ability. When they walk in under those Friday Night Lights he has prepared them mentally and physically for any challenge. Similarly, when life throws an audible, he’s prepared them to adjust and face that change head-on. After all, football goes beyond those Friday night lights.
Football and Trust Go Hand in Hand
Without a doubt, football and trust go hand in hand. Over the seasons, I’ve seen trust go beyond the field. I’ve witnessed countless phone calls, talking through major life decisions and sharing special news. In fact, he’s received letters from military training camp thanking him for the tough love. At the beginning of each new season, we welcome his linebackers into our home. We share a meal and our two littles spend the evening playing games with our football boys. It is heartwarming to physically see what trust looks like.
These young athletes trust that their coach has their best interest in mind. They learn what it is to build trust between teammates. After all, they are in the trenches together game after game.
Football is a Ministry and a Family
Above all, football creates ministry and family. It’s not about tackles, touchdowns, or even wins. My husband’s livelihood has turned into a ministry of mentoring and pouring into the lives of his young athletes. As I watch them succeed in life I feel a sense of pride in who they have become. Our family is a football family. We welcome the players into the lives of our little ones. Our little loves know that their dad gives 100% to his players then comes home and gives them 110% of himself.
Through football my husband is influencing the next generation of good people.
On the flip side, the players have shown our little boys an immense amount of love. I look on as they play with our boys like big brothers would. Through football, my husband is influencing the next generation of good people. Building kindness, respect, pride, and purpose in each of his athletes.
Little Ones Looking On
Little eyes are always watching. Watching the technique, the touch down, the block but also looking on with dreams of one day playing under Friday Night Lights.
Football has a wide reach, the littlest athletes do not need years of training to jump in. Every summer, all the area high schools host annual football camps. Kids have the opportunity to learn from the players and coaches they look up to. These camps are typically open to our littlest kids in kinder up to 8th grade.
Our high school football athletes also have the opportunity to continue working on their skills. They have opportunities to attend camps at our local universities like UTEP and NMSU. After all, our biggest kids still have dreams to keep playing under those football lights!
Future for Football in El Paso
The El Paso Area, with a population of approximately 794,000 (considering Las Cruces, NM), borders Mexico. International students come to our local schools and participate in regional leagues. Football is deeply ingrained in Texas culture, and El Paso is no exception. The community strongly supports football at all levels, from youth leagues to high school teams. Notable schools include Canutillo High School, Eastlake High School, Eastwood High School, Americas High School, El Paso High School, and UTEP Miners at the college level.
For ten years, I have seen football bring out the best in our youth. As I move through each season with my husband and sons, I am grateful for his passion and dedication. I feel proud as I sit under those Friday Night Lights and cheer on the boys who have become so close to our hearts. There are many ways to help your children find their place in this sport, from flag to tackle to co-ed leagues. There is a place for everyone.
Head over to Future for Football and use the league locator to find a league in El Paso. In conjunction with the National Football Foundation, Future for Football is promoting leadership and a lifetime of lessons.
Those little wondering eyes looking on are the future of football in El Paso.
