Boise Tackle Football Program

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Optimist offers tackle football to participants ages 8 years old through 12 years old serving Boise, Meridian, Eagle, Star, Mountain Home, Kuna, Emmett, Homedale, Marsing, Nampa, and Middleton.

Tackle teams are formed based around the school a participant attends and area where they live. Once assigned to a team, those players stay with the same coaches and players throughout their time in the program, with the exception of Rookie (8 yr old) teams.

Each player is required to play a minimum number of plays each half to help ensure more equitable playing time.

Every team plays seven games throughout the season. Teams also travel to other clubs and leagues for games.

Your child joins a team that is set up according to neighborhood. Everyone participates - no tryouts. Age determines 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 relationships with teammates and coaches - along with life lessons and lasting memories.

The Basics: Optimist Tackle Football

Ages: 8-12 years

Season: Early August through October

Games: Saturdays, 7 games, Optimist Youth Sports Complex; Hill Rd, Boise (may include some limited travel to Treasure Valley towns; may include additional championship game for 11 and 12 year old divsions).  All 12 year olds will play an 8th “Bowl” game the last day of the season.

Practices: In your neighborhood, 4 times/week (5 times in first 3 weeks)

Teams: Boise and surrounding towns

Cost: $185/season; jersey and helmet provided; other equipment available as package from area sporting goods stores

Age Determination and Removal of Player Weight Restrictions


Age cut-off is midnight on September 1st of the current year.
(Parents must bring a birth certificate to one of the in-person registration events to complete their online registration.)

NEW IN 2025: 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.
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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 teammates