Why isn’t youth football a big sport around here?

[Anonymous]

Where I am from, kids start playing in the neighborhood leagues by 1st grade.

[Anonymous]

Because we are an incredibly educated community and we know that CTE is real and want our kids to have a future.

[Anonymous]

Head injuries.

[Anonymous]

People are educated here.

CTE. Nobody wants their kids to play anything but flag football if they are going to play football.

[Anonymous]

So many kids played football when I was growing up in the 80's. Now I don't know a single person who has a kid playing tackle football. I know lots of kids who play flag football. It's because we know about the struggles of former players with CTE and we'd never want that for our kids.

[Anonymous]

CTE plus the unbearable football culture. My son adores football but I only allow him to play flag. Even there the parents are more ridiculous than any other sport he plays.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Because we are an incredibly educated community and we know that CTE is real and want our kids to have a future.

This.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Where I am from, kids start playing in the neighborhood leagues by 1st grade.

You do not need to play football at that age. There is no skill development needed to play football. You can just show up in 9th grade and play. Plus the concussion risk is a lot higher for the little kids. Their muscle(specially around neck and abs) are not developed enough to control their head in a collision.

[Anonymous]

Football is trashy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Where I am from, kids start playing in the neighborhood leagues by 1st grade.

As other's have noted, CTE and impacts on long-term brain health, discussed here:

https://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/1111390.page

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Because we are an incredibly educated community and we know that CTE is real and want our kids to have a future.

+1.

Football is like prostitution. Its not worth it. Most educated parents believe their children have healthier and safer paths to success and/ or physical fitness.

[Anonymous]

Where are you from OP? Texas?

[Anonymous]

It’s never been that big here.

[Anonymous]

Come to Vienna. It’s huge here too. You will find your people.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:People are educated here.

CTE. Nobody wants their kids to play anything but flag football if they are going to play football.

This plus it's never been part of the culture so it wasn't a big deal to pivot away from it when CTE risks became known. I grew up in a college town where the local football team dominated life and culture. You cheered your local high school team on Friday nights and Saturdays were all about college football.