Can girls play football? You bet!
Watch our conversation with Ernie and Kaci Kennedy about Ernie’s decision to play football at Hoover High School this year. We partnered with Future for Football and the National Football Foundation to celebrate the positive impact football has on players both on and off the field.
Kaci, what was your reaction when Ernie decided to play football this year?
I was excited. You support your child no matter what. I was a little nervous wondering if she would be accepted on the team. It was a mixed bag of emotions but overall I was excited and it’s been so fun to see her thrive.
Ernie, you’re a freshman this year and decided to go out for football even though you had never played before. What inspired you?
I wanted to see how it would be to play. Being the only girl on the team is tough, being around a bunch of boys. But I thought it would be cool to see what it’s like. And my sister always wanted to play football and she never got a chance.
What are some things you have learned playing football?
It can be challenging. Something can happen on the field but you have to let it go. Even if you get mad at a teammate but you have to let it go because at the end of the day you’re all on the same team and need to work together.
Are there things that have surprised you about playing football or that you didn’t expect as a “football parent?”
How kind the other players are and how they are genuine friends. I’ve experienced a lot of sports and have multiple kids in multiple sports but the parents really feel like a family, doing team meals together, preparing and serving together. It’s more of a family than I’ve experienced in other sports.
What advice do you have for someone who is interested in playing football?
Talk to the coach.
Ernie shows us that anyone (even girls) can play football. To get your daughter or son involved in a local football league visit FutureForFootball.com to find a league near you and for other helpful resources.
