Tonight on the Esquire network kicks off the second season of the television series Friday Night Tykes. Based in Texas, the reality show highlights youth football teams of the Texas Youth Football Association and follows them throughout the season. But this is not your ordinary youth football experience.. or is it??
The critically acclaimed and controversial program shows youth coaches cursing, players violently hitting one another, and parents fighting one another and coaches. The show teeters on the edge of parental discretion making you cringe and turn away at many junctures in the episodes. If your familiar with the HBO series ” Hard Knocks” which shows behind the scenes experiences of NFL training camps, then you will have an idea of what this show is about except its on the youth level. But does it go too far?
“i clicked on the link to this video because i thought it was a joke. i just lost one more ounce in my already-too-low tepid faith in humanity.” – Youtube Poster
I’ve coached in several different youth football leagues and each one creates their own unique environment in terms of safety, morality and sanctity. Some people are in favor of the more aggressive leagues, while some are severely turned off. One poster on youtube stated “i clicked on the link to this video because i thought it was a joke. i just lost one more ounce in my already-too-low tepid faith in humanity.” Others gloated and challenged these youth football teams to travel to their parks for a game. ” Bring some of them boys up here to play where Ohio Knows how to ball out. Hell, we have the home of the Pro football hall of fame right down the road from me. ” America will always have different opinions on a variety of topics. But regardless of where you fall on this question, we all can agree that it is intense.
So what do you think? Is reality TV with youth football too far? Is it ok to teach youth football players in the same manner as you would a High School, College or even Pro- Player?
Leave a comment below.. Let Us Know What You think?
Featured Image Courtesy of Twitter / PBS
