Should I let my 13 year old play football?

Mark Hyman, who co-authored Concussions and our Kids along with neurosurgeon and athletic brain trauma expert Mark Cantu, makes the strong case that parents should say no to tackle football for kids until at least age 14. That's because young brains have a harder time recovering from the hits.

Is football safe for 13 year olds?

If Your Child Wants to Play Football. Ideally, kids should stick with flag (or non-contact) football until they are at least 13 years old. One small study of retired NFL players have shown an association between cognitive impairment and playing tackle football prior to age 12.

Should I let my 13 year old play tackle football?

However, they went on to say fundamental tackling, blocking and hitting skills could be introduced in practice at age 12. The Concussion Legacy Foundation states they "strongly recommend you delay enrolling your child in tackle football until the age of 14."

What is the best age to start playing football?

Once your child has developed the skills to kick and control the ball with confidence irrespective of age they should be ready to take their football in to a more structured environment. This might usually be around the age of 5-7.

Should parents let their child play football pros and cons?

Like other youth sports, football can help keep kids happy and healthy with documented physical and mental health benefits. On the other hand, the risk of injury, especially long-term damage, is a real concern. Football practice offers regular opportunities for exercise and helps keep players physically fit.

13 Things I Wish I Knew At Age 13 | SOCCER MISTAKES!

How many parents don't let their kids play football?

A national survey from 2015 found that 25 percent of parents do not let their kids play contact sports due to fear of concussions, while an Aspen Institute report recently found that participation in tackle football declined by 12 percent among children ages 6 to 12 between 2016 and 2017.

Is it safe for 14 year old to play football?

Most experts in neurodevelopment suggest that kids stay away from American contact sports, like tackle football, until they are at least 14 years old.

Why should parents let their child play football?

Teamwork: Youth football teaches kids accountability, leadership, and the impact of positive sportsmanship. Every position has a purpose and to execute a play successfully, each individual needs to fulfill their responsibility, while working together—a skill that's valuable both on and off the field.

Is it too late to start football at 12?

Ages 12 to 15: Better Late Than Never

If at this point your kid has not yet become involved in soccer, it is definitely not too late (actually it's never too late). In fact, studies show it has less to do with when you begin and more to do with the effort put in.

Is 15 too old to play football?

So in answer to the question, of course, it's never too late for your child to start playing soccer and football, regardless of their age. In fact, I would go as far as to say it's never too late to ever start playing football or trying anything new.

What football should a 13 year old use?

Youth. Youth size footballs accommodate players ages 12 to 14. These balls are close in size to the official college balls and meet the needs of experienced players. At this age, players grow quickly, and this size football fits those developing hands.

What is the safest age to start tackle football?

If you are a parent considering enrolling your child in football, the Concussion Legacy Foundation strongly recommends you delay enrolling your child in tackle football until the age of 14. Research continues to show us that the long-term effects of repetitive brain trauma from tackle football can be catastrophic.

Is 13 too late to go pro in football?

Nope it's never too late. If you want some inspiration look at Jamie Vardy. Not saying he started playing late but he didn't take football fully serious until he was well into his prime (I'm pretty sure he was a factory worker and played football on the side).

Is it OK to start a sport at 13?

With the average middle school student between the ages of 11 and 13 years old, they still have their whole lives ahead of them. So, it's not too late to try something new!

How many 13 year olds play football?

Worth noting: Although football is America's most popular spectator sport, the number of football participants at ages 13-17 (1.46 million) still trails basketball (3.44 million), baseball (2.18 million) and soccer (1.48 million) and is only slightly ahead of tennis (1.41 million).

Why I let my son play football?

Youth football is a great way to build discipline in a child, and it's a terrific tool for learning how important teamwork is. It's a sport where you really have to concentrate on your job and be able to trust what your teammates are doing.

Can you play football at 40?

The benefits of playing football when you're over 40

Not only physically, but mentally too.” They found that the players enjoyed improved cardiovascular health, better bone density and postural strength that can protect you from broken bones, which is great for when you get really old.

Can a 30 year old play football?

The NCAA doesn't have an age limit, but its strict eligibility rules make it difficult for people above a certain age to play. At the D-I level, the moment you enroll in an institution, your time clock starts ticking—whether you are playing a sport or not.

Who is the youngest ever football player?

Norman Whiteside, Northern Ireland - 17 years and 40 days

The striker was 17 years and 40 days old when he made his World Cup debut against Yugoslavia in 1982.

Why should kids under 14 play football?

Early foundational learning is critical to athletic improvement in any sport. Considering the amount of labor and time invested in training, kids who play tackle football will acquire the different life skills of the sport, such as perseverance, aggression, and teamwork, at a higher level than perhaps any other sport.

Is football a safe sport?

Football is a great way to be part of a team and stay physically active. But football is a contact sport, so injuries do happen. Doctors and scientists are studying how repeatedly hitting the head during tackling affects the brain. These injuries can cause serious brain problems later in life.

What are the cons of playing football?

Is it safe for high schoolers to play football?

Expert Opinion Rank: 10th Out of 10. Key Characteristics: Football has the highest injury and concussion rates among all sports, regardless of gender, according to the National High School Sports-Related Injury Surveillance Study. Injuries to the head/face, ankle, knee and hand/wrist are the most common.

How many kids quit sports by 13?

There are so many benefits of playing sports in childhood, including boosts in physical health and social and emotional skills. However, about 70 percent of kids stop playing sports by age 13, says a poll from the National Alliance for Youth Sports. The reason?

Why 70% of kids quit sports by age 13?

Reason #1 - Sports Are No Longer Fun

Studies from the National Alliance for Youth Sports (NAYS) have found that of the 40 million youths who participate in organized sports each year, 70% will drop out before the age of 13! When asked why the number one reason given is that they just don't find it fun anymore.