Why Jr Spartan Tackle Football?

Jr Spartan tackle football is built on a simple belief: development comes first. Winning matters, but it is not the primary measure of success. We focus on teaching the game correctly, developing confident and capable athletes, and preparing players to succeed at higher levels of football. Our goal is to build players who are prepared—not rushed.

Tackle football development at Jr Spartans takes place across the calendar through three connected components: Winter Football Academy, Spring 7-on-7, and Fall Tackle Football.

The fall season is the competitive core of the program. Winter and spring programming focus on development and honing each player’s craft, allowing athletes to continue improving football-specific skills while fully participating in their primary winter and spring sports.

Each phase serves a distinct purpose, and no single phase is expected to replace the others.

Coaching within the Jr Spartan tackle football program is development-focused, supplemented by offseason expert training with former collegiate and professional players, and reinforced through a strong partnership with TCBoost. All coaches meet required certification, safety, and background check standards, and tackle teams are led by experienced Head Coaches who have been with the program for multiple years and do not have children currently participating, ensuring objective leadership and consistent standards across the program.

All Jr Spartan tackle teams are led by experienced Head Coaches selected for their football knowledge, teaching ability, leadership, and long-term alignment with the program.

Coaching staffs may be supplemented by interested parents who support instruction and organization under the direction of the Head Coach.

All coaches are required to:

• Maintain USA Football certification
• Complete Positive Coaching Alliance training
• Hold current CPR and First Aid certification
• Pass an annual background check

This structure ensures consistency, accountability, and a safe environment for all athletes.

Player safety is a core priority of the Jr Spartan tackle football program.

We emphasize:

• Proper tackling technique taught progressively
• Heads-Up football principles
• Age-appropriate contact and drill structure
• Equipment education and proper fit
• Ongoing concussion awareness and protocols

Safety is reinforced through coaching education, practice structure, and league guidelines.

We strongly support multi-sport participation.

Winter and spring programming are designed to complement—not compete with—other sports. Athletes are encouraged to pursue baseball, lacrosse, basketball, soccer, track, and other activities while continuing to develop football-specific skills throughout the year.

During the fall season, tackle football becomes the primary commitment to ensure proper preparation, safety, and team cohesion.

Tackle football teaches lessons that extend beyond the field.

Players develop accountability, discipline, resilience, and the ability to work within a team—skills that matter well beyond youth football.

The Jr Spartan tackle football program exists to prepare athletes for Glenbrook North High School football.

Our coaching approach, terminology, expectations, and development philosophy are designed to help players transition confidently into the high school program—physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Jr Spartan tackle football is a development-driven program built with intention.

We prioritize long-term athlete development, coaching consistency, safety, and respect for families and multi-sport athletes—so players are prepared when it matters most.

“Like many parents, my spouse and I were firmly in the "no tackle until high school" camp. Having experienced a concussion myself in high school football, and being someone who values data and analytics, I was deeply concerned about the risks of injury. However, our son became increasingly passionate about football, and we started to consider the daily structure and commitment of the tackle program compared to the casual, once-a-week flag practices run by parent volunteers like myself. This led us to reassess our stance. 

One of our biggest struggles as parents has been finding ways to engage our kids beyond screens—helping them build connections with others, learn important life lessons, and develop a sense of responsibility. While the risks of tackle football are tangible, the less visible but very real threat of a sedentary, isolated lifestyle felt even more pressing. 

What ultimately changed our minds was the clear evidence that our local tackle football program had taken significant steps to manage injury risks responsibly. Once we felt comfortable with these measures, we realized that the benefits far outweighed our concerns. 

Through tackle football, our son has learned invaluable lessons about hard work, commitment, and teamwork. These aren't just football skills—they're life skills that I fear many kids today are at risk of missing out on. Injuries, while possible, are often short-term challenges. In contrast, missing out on the character-building opportunities offered by a program like this feels like a much greater risk. 

The coaching staff has been nothing short of phenomenal. Their expertise, dedication, and genuine care for the kids are evident in everything they do. They’ve created a safe, structured environment where kids can grow as athletes and individuals. 

To parents on the fence about tackle football: I understand your fears—I had them too. But after seeing the growth, discipline, and joy this program has brought to our son, I can confidently say it was one of the best decisions we’ve made for him.”

“It's challenging to fully express this program's overwhelmingly positive impact on my son in a short space. I can best describe it with some words highlighting the transformation I've seen in him since July 2024—character, loyalty, perseverance, determination, accountability, assertiveness, integrity, tenacity, and confidence.  

This program took my son, who was nearly broken after a horrendous private baseball coaching experience and turned him into a young man that I as a father, couldn't be more proud of, both on and off the field. He's become a true testament to the power of your program. I genuinely believe that playing football here in 7th and 8th grade has laid an unshakeable foundation for the man he will become.

My only regret is that he didn't join when he turned 5.  

Frankly, any parent who fails to see the value this program and its coaches offer is a fool steeped in obstructive mediocrity. They are blind to the incredible potential it unlocks in young athletes and future leaders.

My hats off to all of you, and a sincere Thank you.”   

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