OYF Philosophy
From its beginning in 1949, the Boise Noon Optimist Youth Football Program has steadfastly adhered to a rather "unique" philosophy. There is no goal of sending a team to any regional or national championship. There are no traveling teams with paid coaching staffs. There are no All-Star Teams. Players do not "try out" and they are not categorized as "major" or "minor".
Instead, Optimist teams are formed by neighborhoods according to the player's age, weight, and where they live. Teams are composed of players of different skill levels and abilities. They learn how to combine all these different abilities to form a team. Because all players are required to play a certain number of plays, it is in the team's best interest for everyone to work together to improve their skills. Once a player is on a tackle team, they will stay with that team for the entire four years they are in the tackle program. They not only grow up together, but they also form lifelong friendships. When a coach starts with a team, he also moves up with that same team for the full four years. Not only do the players and coaches have a long-term commitment to each other, but they also get the opportunity to set team and individual goals and then actually work on achieving them...together.
Another "unique" aspect to the Boise Noon Optimist Youth Football Program is its "needs based" scholarship program. We have a fund that numerous individuals have donated to over the years and that we annually contribute to. With this fund, any youth who wants to play will get to play. We scholarship everything from registration and insurance, to all the equipment needed to play. In 2007 we provided scholarships to (93) kids in the Boise/Meridian area alone.
Today, the program includes flag football for boys and girls seven and eight years old, full contact tackle for nine through twelve years old, and since 2004, cheerleading for ages four through twelve. It serves the communities of Boise, Meridian, Eagle, Star, Kuna, Nampa, Mountain Home, McCall, Emmett, Horseshoe Bend, Woodriver, Marsing, and MIddleton. Due in part to this youth football program, Optimist Clubs have been formed in four of these communities. It is estimated that for the 59 years that the Boise Noon Optimist club has operated this youth football program, over 50,000 kids have participated in it. For the 2008 season, there will be (250) teams with over (4,700) kids playing football and cheerleading in "Optimist Youth Football", in addition to the over (1000) adult volunteers coaching and operating the program.
A lot of youth programs talk about teaching teamwork, sportsmanship, commitment and developing relationships. Boise Noon Optimist Youth Football actually does it. It is truly a "unique experience".
The Optimist Football Program is run by the Football Committee, a group of volunteers who answer to the Board of Directors of the Boise Noon Optimist Club. Committee members are always open to ideas and suggestions from anyone. You can contact committee members by using the information on our Contact Us page.
