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.