Gender and Position Choices in Youth Football: Wide Receiver vs Kicker

Can a Girl Be a Wide Receiver or Should She Stick to Kicker in Youth Football?

When it comes to gender and choosing positions in youth football, the landscape is quite different from what we often see in professional or collegiate football. The PeeWee league, in particular, offers a glimpse into the initial stages of gender-specific roles in the sport. Let's explore the realities of these choices and the dynamics at play.

Gender and Choosing Positions in Youth Football

At a young age, children often play a wide range of positions, with wide receiver and kicker being highly specialized roles often designated for older players. Among young children and children in PeeWee leagues, it's rare to have a dedicated kicker, as most players enjoy the full physicality and teamwork involved in the game, often participating in both offensive and defensive plays. However, as players progress to teens, the roles become more specialized, and girls are often used predominantly for kick plays, where the ball is expected to quickly become dead after the kick.

As a coach, I currently oversee a PeeWee team with two girls who are skilled and enthusiastic, but not yet specialized in specific positions. If our team needs more wide receivers, either of them could potentially take on that role. The key to making such decisions is understanding the unique challenges and opportunities each position presents.

Choosing a Position: Wide Receiver or Kicker?

Regarding the question of whether a girl can be a wide receiver or should stick to kicking, the answer is both yes and no, depending on individual circumstances and skills. Let's explore this in further detail:

Handicaps of Being a Wide Receiver

High Physical Contact: As a wide receiver, you will experience more frequent physical contact and tackling compared to a kicker. This is because every play, even when the ball is not intended for you, requires you to run down the field. This increased physicality can be both a challenge and an opportunity for growth, depending on the player's comfort level and skill.

Requirements of Being a Kicker

Maintaining Speed and Agility: If you are a kicker, you need to maintain high speed and agility for successful kicks. However, you also have the luxury of focusing on a specific area of the field, as your primary role is to get the ball from point A to point B as accurately as possible.

Tryouts and Opportunities

Highlight Your Skills: If you think you have what it takes to be a wide receiver, it's worth trying out for the position. Being fast, having good catching skills, and being able to block and tackle are crucial. However, it's equally important to understand the demands of this role and whether you are comfortable with it.

If you find that you excel more in kicking, you might consider specializing in both roles. This approach allows you to showcase your strengths in different areas, and you can work on developing skills in both positions.

Gender Roles in Football

The dynamics of gender roles in football, particularly in youth leagues, reflect a broader societal shift toward greater inclusion and flexibility. While certain positions historically have been more aligned with different genders, the enthusiasm and talent of all players transcend these traditional boundaries.

Encouragement and Support: Coaches and teammates play a crucial role in encouraging girls to explore various positions and develop their skills. By fostering a supportive environment, players can find their true passion within the sport, whether it's as a wide receiver, kicker, or any other position.

Conclusion: Ultimately, the choice between playing as a wide receiver or a kicker comes down to personal preference, skills, and comfort level. Whether you are a girl or a boy, the key is to try out different positions and find what you enjoy most. The goal is not just to win, but to enjoy the sport and grow as a player.