Year One. Undefeated.

by HIROKO JOLLEY

There's something to be said about being undefeated.  There is more meaning to it than just a perfect 8-0 record for an inaugural season.  More meaning to me as the owner and as a player of the Utah Falconz, and more meaning to all those that were a part of creating the successes we had in 2014.

What many may not know is that the Utah Falconz is an expansion team, which makes sense to the level of talent and proficient football knowledge of many of our athletes and coaches.  Many of us had walked the gridiron before and the 100 yards was not new to our lives.

The Utah Falconz first Football for Life Camp

For half our other team, it was brand new.  Ladies came from athletic backgrounds, high school or college levels.  We caught the attention of former college softball and track athletes.  And from the Polynesian community, competitive rugby players.

Still, there were others who came without any ball or athletic experience.  Some were prodded to play until they finally gave in to give it a try, and then never looked back.  Others checking out women's football for a first time to fill a need to have more self-confidence, to gain a new skill or to feel a part of something worthwhile.

Rookies and returners at the first Utah Falconz practice

For the Utah Falconz, we were a mix of experienced and rookie players.  Seasoned and junior coaches.  As more ladies entered into the team, we became a true melting pot.  Not just in Utah, but of people everywhere.  Mormons, Catholics, Jewish, straight, lesbians, married, single, black, white, Hispanic, Polynesians, single moms, married moms, some ladies working two or three jobs. You would be hard pressed to find a more diverse group of women.

The Utah Falconz headed to Colorado Springs to play against the Rocky Mountain Thunder Katz

The youngest Falconz athlete is 17 years old and the oldest is 42.  Our ladies are high school coaches, police officers, teachers, moms, college and med students, writers, bakers, artists, business owners and the list goes on,  Our coaches are just as diverse with military vets, teachers, fathers, husbands, wives, moms, salesmen and students.

Coach Carter, born with tetra-amelia syndrome, D Line Coach

With the vast amount of diversity that came to our team, it would appear to be an uphill battle.  In a group of 50+ women, one would shudder at the thought of the level of estrogen in the locker room.  Drama, rants, one-week-a-month outbursts that could range from silent sobs to fits of rage....  Added to that mix, women from extremely diverse backgrounds and manly men who were trying to teach some what a first down was and to others, perfecting their various routes on the field.  Trying to deactivate a bomb would seem more appealing.

But we had one commonality. Football.  And we soared!

The Utah Falconz at home against the Denver Mile High Blaze

We averaged over 55 points per game and kept 6 of our 8 opponents to a 0 score.  Even more impressive, a total of 25 athletes that had scored in the course of those 8 games.  Our volunteer coaches spent hours upon hours on creating  and perfecting the game plan.  The time spent on formulating plays, the constant repetitions on the practice field, all translated to the workings of a well oiled machine on the field. Not only that, there was the immense outpouring of support from our families, friends, sponsors and partners and our Utah community.

Kris Thomasberg running for a touchdown at Timpanogos High against the Seattle Majestics

2014 brought the Utah Falconz an undefeated season.  But that's not counting what we did on the field.   The stigmas, the diversity, the busyness of our lives, our jobs, families, and school....the monthly cycles...  The recipe for defeat was waiting to happen. But it didn't.  Because we were one.

The Utah Falconz 2015 season tryouts

Even if we lost a game on the field, we would have still come away from 2014 undefeated.  With clear eyes and one heart, we couldn't lose.

Kalani Sitake: The Importance of Feeling Wanted

LB Kayla Bruner with Hoki at Timpanogos High School against the Mile High Blaze. Photography by Lynn-Frick Dolan

by MICHAEL RAMOS

In the words of Beyonce, if U (of U) liked it then they should've put a ring on it.

But they didn't, and now football coach Kalani Sitake is leaving the University of Utah, heading to Oregon State University as their new defensive coordinator.

Though the decision was announced this week, many have argued the move began a long time ago, when the Utah Athletic Director didn't offer Coach Sitake an contract extension before the season began (making him a lame-duck coach). Throughout the season there has been grumbling that this slight by the U's AD helped lead to Sitake's departure.

Despite the distractions, the Running Utes' defense went out and did its thing, putting together a stellar season defensively. Even with an offense that was hard to watch sometimes, that defense was tough. And at the end of the season, when the university was ready to talk contracts, it was too late. Coaches Sitake and Ilaisa Tuiaki were signed, sealed and delivered to Corvallis, dealing a major blow to the U. I don't like it for selfish reasons, as I watch all the U games and study their defense.

But I get it, we all want to be wanted. It doesn't matter if you're a volunteer coach or getting paid big-boy money. Think of that one friend we all have. The one who calls us when all his/her other plans fall through. Do you always pick up the phone? If you're like me, you send the person straight to voicemail. Coach Sitake didn't turn his back on the program, he did the equivalent of hitting the "ignore" button in favor of OSU. The Beavers made Coach Sitake feel wanted, and now he's their DC. Good for him.

Thankfully, most U of U fans have been supportive.

The ones who are criticizing him for a lack of 'loyalty' are misguided. First off, loyalty to one's family supersedes employer loyalty. You've got to do what's best for your wife and kids. If he feels this is the best move for them, it doesn't matter what others say. I have been fortunate enough to coach many players. There has been more than one instance where a player has spoken to me about possibly leaving the team, for personal or work reasons. I have no problem telling a player to leave the team if it's going to better her relationship, if it's going to make her more money, or if I don't think she'll be happy playing football. There is another team in town, and we had a player leave us to play for them. I wished her well. Who am I to call her disloyal?

Secondarily, nobody ever uses the loyalty card when they want their team's head coach fired for losing. When a player starts to get old, or his production isn't what you thought it'd be, you sure as hell want him traded or cut. Where's the loyalty then? In fact, if we checked some fantasy football teams, I'd bet everything I own that loyalty to those rosters is out the window after Week 1.

There are a couple of reasons I'm excited for Coach Sitake. It's a huge gamble with potential for a huge payoff (and payday). If this Oregon State defense becomes anything like the Utes' defenses, steamrolling offenses and sending guys to the NFL, his stock will rise faster than it is now. That means he'll be closer to becoming a head football coach at a major program. Any time someone risks something in order to better themselves, I'm all in. (See LeBron James to Miami, and LeBron James back to Cleveland).

Second, that slap in the face by the Utes, that'd be hard for anyone to get over. Whenever we're made to feel unwelcome, it's not uncommon to pack up and head for the exit. You ever been passed over for that promotion that went to Bob, then Bob leaves the company, and then they offer it to you? If someone starts hitting on your friend, then settles for you, do you feel wanted then, or do you feel needed? There's a huge difference.

Much like Coach Sitake's move, the Utah Falconz were created because Hoki Jolley felt players should feel wanted. She felt football could be improved on in Utah. Hoki and the rest of the staff work hard to let players know they've got value which extends beyond what they do on the field. Players are not under contract, they can leave if they feel this is not the right situation for them. But overwhelmingly, the players know that we want them around.

In nearly every game this season, everyone of our 50+ women got in to games within the first quarter. We run to condition, not to punish. If they're injured, there is no pressure to get back on the field. That's kinda how we put a ring on it.

Here's to wishing Coaches Sitake and Tuiaki, their families and Oregon State nothing but success.

Bravery, Power, Speed and Endurance. We Are the Falconz.

by NICOLE BERRY

Mascots are found in schools, sports, businesses and politics, and date back a very long time. The word mascot actually means: "A person, animal or object believed to bring good luck, especially one kept as the symbol of an organization." Mascots are often symbols of courage, strength, and leadership or other attributes that embody those they represent. The Peregrine Falcon is the perfect emblem to typify the bravery, power, speed and endurance of the Utah Falconz Women's Football Team. Check out top facts about the Peregrine Falcon and how the Utah Falconz are one with the these amazing birds.

The Peregrine Falcon is a RAPTOR (Latin for "too seize") or BIRD OF PREY.

Falcons are the swiftest bird of prey on the planet - yet very muscular.

"Peregrinus" is Latin, meaning "to wander." These falcons are found on every continent except Antarctica, and can survive in a wide variety of habitats including urban cities, the tropics, deserts, and the tundra. Peregrine falcons can adapt to living almost anywhere.

Peregrine Falcons are the fastest hunters in the world, flying level at 30-40 mph and diving at 200+ mph

Falcons have a unique way of hunting for food - they dive at their prey so fast that they overtake it by surprise, catching it in mid-air, and the speed kills the prey instantly.

Male falcons are about 1/3 size of females.

Falcon Wing-span = 3-4 feet

Falcons are at the top of the food chain - No natural predators.

Falcons are extremely loyal to each other - they mate for life, and both male and female share in incubating and raising chicks.

Falcon fledgelings eat an incredible amount of food to maintain speed and agility.

Falcons have very good eye-sight, and can spot a meal up to a mile away.

Felix is our resident Falcon - the Utah Falconz leader and symbol of all that inspires us to be great athletes on the field, but more importantly, valuable members of our community. We love you Felix!

Not Just Another Football Team

by MICHAEL RAMOS

One of the best things about being on the Utah Falconz is it’s a team full of givers.

The giving starts at the top, with team owner, Hoki Jolley, and her husband Troy. They have given substantially, starting with tackling all the burdens that come with getting a fledgling franchise off the ground. Hoki also spends countless hours addressing administrative duties, including promoting the team and lining up sponsors.

On top of that, Hoki gives of her humanity. She’s part-time counselor, part-time team mom to several players. She’s constantly texting players, or pulling them aside and helping them with issues that extend beyond football. She also plays on the team. She’s one of the few people who sleeps less than I do.

Felix Falcon and his cohorts from the Mascot Miracles Foundation (MMF) give, as well. What they give, however, can’t be measured. The MMF works to provide wishes and requests to seriously ill kids, some of them terminally. Felix, Jazz Bear, Cosmo, Swoop and others host parties and events to benefit families who need it most.

Just as important, they ensure that those who’ve passed away are not forgotten. For all the pranks and silly string, the MMF are good people with huge hearts. How else do you explain the Ute and Coug mascots working together?

 Coaches are volunteers, meaning the hours we spend in coaches meetings, or pouring over game film, is gratis. With a staff full of former college and pro athletes, this is invaluable. And the coaches are always at it. Group texts and emails came at all hours of the day or night.

Then you’ve got the players. They do more than attend practices, film sessions and set aside time for away games. The ladies meet on their own, for extra conditioning, route running or to bond over football games at Buffalo Wild Wings.

When the MMF has an event, you’ll often see Falconz players there helping out. The small window of free time some players have is given in support of children, some of whom have little time left.

That’s why it’s a gift to be a part of this team. To be around so many people who sacrifice without complaining is a reward all its own.

This team is comprised of players from all walks of life. Included is a collection of single parents, college students, and young mothers starting to build families. For those of us who’ve been there, we know these are groups for whom a little extra money goes a long way. But in lieu of a part-time job, a player might go without so she can play the game she loves. Some of them cutback on the nice-to-have’s. Others enjoy gourmet meals of Top Ramen noodles. The urge to play football is so strong, you can give up a lot and still feel satisfied.

Each Falconz player pays to play football. The reality is that football games, referees and hotels cost money. Lots of it. Players work to offset this by sponsorship, as well as by donations they receive from fundraising and Go Fund Me pages.

For those looking for a gift idea during the holidays (and beyond), consider contributing to the Falconz. The team has lofty expectations for the 2015 season. If all goes according to plan, we’ll have a chance to fight for the WFA Championship. But that’s in Boston, which is a long way from Utah.

When you read the team bios, you can see who you’re supporting. The page allows you to donate to individual players. Support an army veteran, or a kid working on her degree. We’ve got high school coaches and yoga instructors. If you can’t decide, a team donation is always appreciated.

A gift to the team is almost the same as being a part of it. When we make our postseason push- and hopefully take home some hardware- you can tell your friends, “I had a hand in that.” You just might find that giving is a gift all its own.

The Rise of Bruised Women in Utah

The Utah Falconz matchup against the Utah Blitz in their first 2014 instate blue/red rivalry game.  Falconz win 59-0.

by BREANN HILLHOUSE

Without a doubt we have all gotten some interesting reactions when telling people we play women’s football. Inevitably we’ve needed to emphasize that it is fully padded, all-women, full-field, hard-hitting tackle football. In fact, I’m willing to bet that across all teams and leagues, we have all gotten some similar reactions when we drop the “I play football” bomb. Responses have a wide variety but in the forefront of questions asked is if we play powder puff, flag or lingerie football. The most common response is an indignant and adamant NO. To suggest anything other than the real deal only serves to induce our scorn.

Have you been in a sporting goods store, scoping out some football gear but find it difficult to track down anything in your size because most of the pads, pants and padded pants are in youth sizes? You ask for help with finding a particular product and the sales person asks, “How old is your son?” I like to look the person in the eye and say, “These are for me,” then watch the realization come over their face and say, “Yeah, women’s football. It’s a thing. You should probably check it out.”

The subject of women’s football can be difficult for some to wrap their brains around. Sometimes it’s only because they don’t have a lot of brains to begin with. An individual, who we shall call Smelvin, had commented on an online video of game highlights. Smelvin asked if we play other women and I responded by saying yes, we are an all-woman team playing other women. His next comment was if we’re playing women that would explain why we are undefeated. If you guys understand his logic, could you please explain it to me? I’m still having a hard time working it out.

Clearly some people don’t fully understand, and that’s okay. Most understand all too well that full-tackle can mean serious business and express concern. They want to know if we’re scared to tackle, get tackled or if we incur any injuries. I want to laugh and say, “Falconz don’t get tackled,” but of course that is a lie. The reality, though, is that we are all incredibly proud of our bruises. We brazenly display them and brag about the sack that caused it or give credit to the person that created it. Often we get strange looks at the grocery store, at work or at school. People subtly ask if we are experiencing problems at home and if we need help. Then we’re all too happy to explain their origin.

Honestly, I have learned that there are inappropriate ways to tell someone you play football. This has been learned the hard way. During a job interview the question was asked about hobbies outside of work. It was a question designed to get a better idea of my personality and I made the poor choice of saying, “I love playing football. I work hard during the day and then go hit people.” I needed a receptacle for my word vomit but there was no taking that one back. The interviewer immediately thanked me for coming and mentioned that if I don’t hear back it was because they decided to go in a different direction. I didn’t hear back from them again. I don’t know why not, at least offer me a position in security, amiright?

Another question we get isn’t a question at all, but flagrant assumption. “You play football? I didn’t know you are a lesbian.” Sure, we have several a lot of players who are lesbian, I’ll give that to you, but it’s definitely not a requirement. I mean, at the end of the day we all like playing with balls. Footballs, guys.

A lot of people want to know if our significant others are supportive. Football does tend to take a lot of time and it’s difficult to be so committed to such a time-consuming activity without full support at home. At the end of the day our biggest fans are usually our families. They are proudly telling people that their girl plays tackle football. We are proudly forcing them to wear t-shirts that says the same.

However, the reaction received the most is my favorite of all. In fact, I look forward to telling a person I play and eagerly await what I know is coming…complete surprise. I love it. They do a double take and mentally take a step back, reevaluating me and seeing with new eyes. It makes my insides happy as they fumble for a response and settle with, “Wow, that’s awesome.” And I say, “I know, obviously.”

Think You've Seen It All?

2014 Utah Falconz Inaugural Season

• Undefeated
• 462-37 Total Point Score in 8 games
• 38 Total Defense Points
• 2962 Total Rushing Yards
• 978 Total Passing Yards
• Defense allowed total of 58.6 rushing  and 71.4 passing yards/game
• 1 Turnover

Think that was pretty exceptional for a first year team?  35+ returning athletes and 20+ rookies with speed and strength have joined the Utah Falconz for the 2015 WFA season.  You haven't seen anything yet!

Utah Falconz 2014 Offense Highlights

Utah Falconz 2014 Defense Highlights

Athlete Gets Preference and Coach Gets Sacked

Utah Falconz teammates in the huddle before stepping onto the Timpanogos High School football field

by MICHAEL RAMOS

Not many people know who Alec Ogletree, Greg Robinson, Janoris Jenkins, Michael Brockers, Stedman Baily and Zac Stacy are.

They were the St. Louis Rams' team captains who met the Washington Redskins' captains at midfield before Sunday's pre-game coin toss.

They're also six players Washington traded away in order to get their hands on Robert Griffin III, who was supposed to be the next big thing (and actually started the game holding a clipboard).

60 minutes and a 24-0 Rams-win later, the point was proven. Football is a team game, and a bunch of nobodies can be more important than heralded individuals.

Washington is learning(?) the hard way that putting the super-star athlete at the center of the universe is a recipe for disaster. The team has already fired one coaching staff in favor of RG3, and they're possibly on the verge or running off another staff. 

Which would officially make RG3 a coach-killer.

In football, individuals have to take a backseat to the team. One player versus the rest of the team? I'll take my chances with the rest of the team.

There is something inherent within us that says great is better than good. And sometimes that’s the case (first-class vs coach). But what can’t be argued is that an overabundance of good far outweighs a little bit of great. In some cases, it outweighs a lot of great, especially if “great” considers himself/herself so gifted they don’t need to listen to the coaches.

Across all sports, and from the women’s game to the NFL, there are players out there who think they're so good, they can tell coaches to stick it. Johnny Manziel can’t stay out of trouble, and spends more time at the nightclub than the film room. Yet the Cleveland Browns are ready to make him their franchise quarterback.

And you wonder why some athletes never seem to get it. I mean, how many chances did Terrell Owens or Randy Moss get?

Washington coach Jay Gruden called out RG3 for his lack of production and even more important for his lack of leadership. But since team owner Dan Snyder is enamored with RG3, Gruden might be the one who gets whacked.

Gruden's been on the job for one season.

If you want to build a team that’s destined to lose, tell your star player not to worry about what the coach says. Don’t feel like conditioning? No problem. Don't want to come to practice? No sweat, you’re still going to start.

You want to build a team that wins games? Tell your players that if they can’t make it to practice, or don’t feel like they can condition, then they need to talk to the coach.

Our best players work just as hard as the rest of our players, if not harder. They’re a group of “yes, sir”, “no, sir”-players If they have egos, they leave them at the door come game time.

Vee Siqueiros, Falconz wing-back, is a perfect example of a team player. While she's got the speed and talent to score on any play, she takes pride in her blocking. If there's a big play, you'll see Vee taking out three or four defenders on the play. This roster is filled with players who go all out to make other players better.

 Sacrificing is what great teams do.

Football Coaching Secrets: How To Keep Players From Going Rogue

Coach Ramos running tackling drills with the Utah Falconz Linebackers

by MICHAEL RAMOS

"What's it like coaching women's football?"

Every Falconz coach has been asked this question more than once.

There is a strong urge to say, "Well, their shoulder pads are different, and they don't wear cups."

But there are certain advantages to coaching women.

Coaching adults is great. There are some fond memories of coaching little league and high school players, but it's nice not having to field angry calls from parents in the middle of the night. Mom's not calling about the number of plays. Dad's not calling about the position his kid plays.

As adults, any issues that arise can be dealt with directly with everyone involved. No need for a middleman, nothing gets lost in translation.

Players listen. We've all coached that "one guy". The one, who, though you tell him to use a certain technique, or to watch for a reverse, has to do it his way. As a result, he uses the wrong technique, or gets beat on the reverse, and the team suffers.

Yeah, we don't have that.

Our players follow their assignments. They follow the team's game plan, not their own. We're successful because they listen during practice and film sessions. When I tell a player what her assignments are, I know she won't try to do it her way.

The reason they don't go rogue is because they get to hear why. It's not a bunch of coaches barking orders and saying "because I said so". We explain to them why they've been given a certain responsibility. They're told why they shoot the A-gap. Since they understand the meaning of the instruction, they won't deviate from it.

That's something that I-can-do-it-my-own-way guy will always struggle with.

Falconz players have a thirst for knowledge. Thanks to modern technology, I'm constantly in contact with my players, sending them videos and updating play books. Whenever they have questions on them, they send an email or text message to their coaches.

Our team has access to a film-sharing site. This allows players and coaches to log on, and study their opponents. They ask about the best ways to defend certain formations, or what our game plan is for Saturday's game. During practice, they're not afraid to ask questions, and we'll stop whatever drill we're doing to address it (chances are other players are wondering the same thing). I'd rather they ask me a question on the practice field than learn the hard way during a game. By then, I usually have a question of my own.

What the hell was that?

Players are encouraged to ask questions on anything they don't understand, no matter how trivial it may seem. I often have to be reminded that some players are still new to the game. It takes them a while to learn what the line of scrimmage is, or where the flat is. The more questions they ask, the better we become as coaches.

In all other respects, the women play much like the men.

They hit hard, and rally each other up with pre-game chants. They even talk smack (some better than others).

And they definitely stink. After workouts or games, they're as funky as my old high school locker room. Thankfully, since we've been so successful, the post-game speeches are relatively short.

Most importantly, these ladies are as competitive as the guys. We challenge each other. While we're one team, one family, the secret to our initial success has been that we push each other. The offense pushes the defense, and vice-versa. Starters don't rest on their laurels, because the scout team is always hungry. At practices, they go at it.

So my response when asked about coaching women's football?

We're not women's football coaches.

We're just coaches. We coach football players

Does Playing Madden Video Games Qualify You to Coach?

Coach Rick at half time in the Falconz first ever football game.  Falconz won 52-0.

by MICHAEL RAMOS

There's an odd feeling that comes with being dismissed as a coach. It's not unlike being dumped.

Twice as a football coach, I've been asked not to return to a team. Once after taking a near-winless team to the verge of a league title.

The coach who replaced me got his plays from a John Madden video game. But he was more qualified because he was a local. He lived in the same area as most of the parents. He got cozy with them, and promised their kids could play whatever positions parents wanted.

None of those qualifications helped him the next season, when I came back coaching a new team. We beat them by five touchdowns, while keeping their offense scoreless.

Sometimes, people don’t know what qualified truly means.

The University of Michigan just found out the hard way. They fired Rich Rodriguez because he wasn't a “Michigan Man". He was considered an outsider since he didn’t develop within Michigan’s storied program.

So the Wolverines hired a coach with Michigan ties. And this year, they finished with a losing record of 5-7, and fired the coach they brought in to replace Rodriguez.

Meanwhile, the University of Arizona, Rodriguez' new team, just won the competitive Pac 12 South, beating out teams like Arizona State, USC and UCLA.

If there's a downside to coaching, it's coaches being run off because they don't "fit in", whatever that means.  As a result, a lot of qualified coaches leave the game. That leaves more PlayStation-coaches, and more "hit- something" coaches. Players suffer, and the game suffers.

Coaching is more than copying a playbook from a video game. It's more than kids playing quarterback because that's what dad wants him to play. Decisions coaches make can't always be popular.

Coaching is about communicating a philosophy players can learn. It's about helping them file the knowledge away and recall it when needed (when to pick up a fumble and return it versus when to fall on it).

Coaching is about putting players in a position to be successful.

If you have a suck-up coach, chances are you’re going to suck. If you’re getting rid of coaches for reasons other than poor coaching, or a hostile situation, your team is going to struggle. There are examples of this all over the sports landscape.

Falconz coaches are an interesting mix. We’ve got coaches who have played at the highest levels, we’ve got coaches with little experience. We even have JoeWesley, a coach who gets so fired up he used to head-butt players before games.

Our coaches are not from one particular background, team owner Hoki Jolley didn’t choose us because we were all best friends.

We weren’t chosen because we were part of a system, she allowed us to create the system.

 The scoreboard can decide whether or not the right coaches are in place.

Cheerleaders Hang Up Pom Poms for Football

The Utah Falconz in game 3 of our inaugural season, winning 64-0.

by HIROKO JOLLEY

In an age of inspiring quotes etched over photos of women donning perfectly chiseled bodies, it seems that the perfect picture of athleticism these days is defined by the visuals alone.

We live in an era when we encourage our children, our daughters to push themselves in sports to maintain a healthy physique and an active lifestyle. It is also proven that girls who actively and consistently engage in sports during their growing up years have more self-esteem and a better body image.

In an article by ESPN they showed the hidden demographics of youth sports. What was found is that between the ages of 6 and 17, 21.47 million kids are actively involved in team sports. Around the age of 7 is when girls start participating in team sports. While football and basketball ranked the top two sports for boys, basketball and volleyball ranked the top two for girls. The most likely reason both girls and boys quit sports while in their adolescent years? Because they weren’t having fun.

Most sports that girls are involved in between the ages of 6 and 17 include basketball, volleyball, softball, soccer and track. The probability of girls competing post high school in basketball? Only 3.7%, a study done by the NCAA.

With an average of 69% of girls involved in sports between the ages of 6-17, what happens to the other 85%+ who never make competition sports in college?

While the positive body image is prevalent in young girls that participate in sports, without the options for many women to continue their love of competitive sports, the positive body image can quickly dissipate after having children, juggling school and work, or other societal factors that many women are faced with. “According to a 2009 study by Elsevier Science and Health, group sports have an event greater impact on self-esteem than individual sports. Team sports teach girls that, in being part of the team, they are part of a larger community.”

We believe that it is just as important for women to be actively engaged in activities that not only promote better health, but a better body image, as it is for girls.

The average woman in the USA stands 5’4” and weighs 166 pounds. We polled a small number of women who compete in full-contact football and here is what we found. The average height of the women asked was 5’6” tall and weighed an average of 199 pounds. The average amount of time women had been playing was 3.8 years. Some were rookies, other had been playing for 9 years. The most interesting find was that there was a staggering 24 different sports that these women participated in that ranged from cheerleading and tennis to rugby and wrestling. But almost all of the women had actively competed in some sort of team or individual sport throughout their lives up until the end of high school.

We also realized that after high school sports, for many of these competitively driven women, there are few, if any options for women who want to continue participating in team sports. This could be one of the main contributing factors in the female adult weight gain of once very competitive teen girls.

Football is one sport where every body shape and size is an asset. Wide Receivers can stand at a lanky 5’8” and weigh in at 120 pounds, and linemen (women) can range from 5’4” and 200 pounds to 6’2” and 330 pounds. Chiseled bodies? No. Athletic? Competitive? Aggressive? You’d better believe it! The opportunity for women who once engaged in active team sports in their youth are able to not only feed that need and natural love of game, but can and do compete again, regardless of size or skill.

From one female football athlete, the positive impact is apparent, “Football helps me have a more positive body image. I’m not at all the world’s definition of beautiful or healthy, but on the field, my size is an advantage. Having a team of adults I get to socialize with is so important for me as a full-time mom. Basically, football is good for me physically, mentally and emotionally.”

The benefits are overflowing with the fastest (but still young) growing women’s sport in America. Some women who participate are doing so to get back into playing shape, some have missed competing on a field, others are looking for the feeling of team camaraderie. And while all these women have come together for different reasons, the outcome is the same. Better self-esteem, better body image and a sense of belonging.

So keep your daughters in sports for as long as you can because it gives them the self-worth and the grounded positive body image they will need growing up in a world that is relentlessly telling them they have to look a certain way in order to be acceptable.  A woman cannot be too tall, too short, too lean, or too thick...  It is impossible to try and fit a circle into a square, and yet, this is what they are being fed constantly through the media.  Sports teaches girls that no matter what size or shape they are, what matters is what they accomplish in their lives, be it physical or mental. And when they finish high school and need to feel that positive affirmation, women’s football will be there to give that to them once again. Women’s football can’t go wrong.