The game of football is art of the American culture during the Fall season. It’s stolen hearts, built lives, connected people who otherwise would not have met, and teaches discipline, patience, and determination.
Every weekend in the fall, little league and collegiate athletes compete in front of spectators in the stands. The athletes play and have fun, but they also do their best to obtain hard-won victories for their teams and supporters. The young athletes’ incredible amount of energy and devotion to the sport of football resonates throughout the stadiums and grass fields, no matter the age or the size of the crowd. It is felt across the country and during off-seasons, as well as during Super Bowl Halftimes and during college tournaments. Millions of boys of all ages join football teams all across the country for various reasons, but they all commonly share a love for football. One young athlete that currently plays for the Boys and Girl’s Club in Newport News says, “I play football because I want to. I play it with my teammates, how I’m supposed to, but I, personally, play it because I love it.” Another former athlete who played on Warwick’s JV football team says, “The teamwork was incredible. You just feel like you’re a part of something bigger. It’s insane.”
Whether you’re just tossing a ball in the backyard or hold a position on a formal team, football is loved by many in America. No matter what team you play for or support, athletes, coaches, families, and enthusiasts can all agree that football is a sport of the mind, body, and soul. By Amanda Howard
