Boise Tackle Football

Registration for the 2026 Fall season begins April 1, 2026
Practices begin Monday, August 3rd, and the season opens on Saturday, August 22nd
(no games Saturday, September 5th for Labor Day holiday).

What Makes Treasure Valley's Original Tackle Football Program Better

New in 2026 Optimist Football

🔥 Optimist Youth Football exclusive opportunity to be entered to win one of ten Scheels giveaways for an amazing event this summer!(details to be announced April 13th)
💥 Newly styled jerseys players take with them at end of season to proudly wear and share
💥 Optional nameplate on your jersey to make it truly yours
💥 11 year and 12 year old champions receive hats and t-shirts to commemorative their achievements


Register/Login for Tackle

The Cores of Our Long Running Programs

🏈 Each Optimist tackle league is built solely for the athlete’s current age (8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 year olds only play with equally aged players)
🏈 Athlete’s age as of September 1st of the current tackle season determines league placement
🏈 There are no weight limits for players within their individual age group
🏈 Athletes are provided helmets (to be returned each season to promote safety standards), game jerseys, and coaches’ provided training equipment supplies
🏈 Players are only responsible for cleats, shoulder pads, mouth guard and other protective equipment, and Optimist partners like Scheels are proud to assist in fitting
🏈 Games are played on Saturday mornings at the Boise Youth Sports Complex in Boise and at our affiliates’ fields across the Treasure Valley.
🏈 Optimist Youth Football’s partner, Saint Alphonsus, provides Certified Athletic trainers on-site on game days to support athletes’ safety and health
🏈 Teams from Boise, Meridian, Eagle, Nampa, Middleton, Kuna, Homedale, Emmett, Mountain Home, Marsing, and Horseshoe Bend are all part of Optimist’s wide-ranging and established 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 divisions).

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

Teams: Boise and surrounding towns

Cost: $205.00/season; jersey and helmet provided; other equipment available as an affordable package from Scheels and other area sporting goods stores

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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