DONATE TO OPTIMIST YOUTH FOOTBALL DURING IDAHO GIVES 2025
Since 1949, Optimist Youth Football has been shaping lives on and off the field! 🏈 More than 70,000 young athletes have learned teamwork, resilience, and leadership alongside their friends and neighbors.
This year, we’re proud to announce exciting new developments: ✅ A high school league for Girls Flag Football ✅ No more player weight restrictions—because age groupings are key to safety.
💛 Join us in keeping the Optimist mission alive during Idaho Gives!

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Optimist Youth Football and Cheer Programs

We are a non-profit, volunteer-driven youth football organization in Idaho's Treasure Valley, with programs in Boise, (Includes Boise, Meridian, Eagle & Star), Kuna, Nampa/Caldwell, Emmett, Homedale, Marsing, Middleton, Horseshoe Bend and Mountain Home. Registration for the Boise club (Boise, Eagle, Meridian, and Star) will begin on Monday, April 7th. A new registration program will be implemented for the Boise club. Please click on the registration tab in the upper right hand corner of this page. Information for all communities and their registration dates, including locations, and times for parents to complete their online registration by meeting with their league directors and presenting their birth certificate, can be found by clicking on the location tab above.

NEW IN 2025: Age Determination and Removal of Player Weight Restrictions

In assessing guidelines and rules regarding player weight, Optimist Youth Football relied on three separate national studies, which concluded age, not weight, is the leading injury risk factor. Accurate age groupings are therefore the most important player safety consideration, while weight classifications do not offer increased safety.

Tackle Football

Learn More Here

Flex Flag Football

Optimist Exclusive

Girls Flag Football

More Information

Cheerleading

Get More Info

For a team experience that lasts a lifetime, get your family involved in Optimist Football

Teams are formed right in your neighborhood, and led by well-trained, caring coaches.

For decades, teams and families fill the Optimist fields on Saturdays in the fall. Camaraderie and game-day excitement fuel the atmosphere. The games and team practices build athletic skills—and also provide life lessons, friendships, and lasting memories.

Today’s norms and guidelines are followed for safe, age-appropriate play.

Coaches you can count on

The coaches of Optimist Football care as much about your child and his youth sports experience as you do.

We craft practices and games so your child can:

• Watch their skills grow with each practice
• Be encouraged for their effort and progress
• Develop knowledge of the game and a love for competing
• Be in a setting that follows the latest guidelines for safety, with strict adherence and mandatory training and certification for coaches
• Enjoy the camaraderie of team mates

HomePage_Coaches

• Your child joins a team that is set up according to neighborhood. Everyone participates – no tryouts. Age and weight also determine team placement.

• Your child is on a path where the team stays, develops, and grows together, with a well-trained coach who is also committed to that success.

• This approach creates continuity in development, maximizes relationship building with team mates and coaches – along with the life lessons and lasting memories.

Coaching Info
Become a Coach
We're always looking for great people to coach and mentor the young athletes in our programs.
Officials Info
Become an Official
Join our officiating crews for tackle and flex flag football.

Optimist League Standings & Scores