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limited other tackle options, as well as limited options for other sports." For many local team sports leagues around the U.S., 2020 was a year to forget. at was definitely the case for the WCFL. "Unfortunately, we did not have a season in (Fall) 2020. COVID hit our league pretty hard," says Basis. "We felt it was prudent to be cautious and the board decided to not have a season that year." According to Basis, the tackle football numbers are starting to rebound from 2020, as there are roughly 400 children playing in the WCFL this fall. Out in In Terre Haute, IN, Doc Claussen reports that many rec- reational youth football programs are eliminating tackle football in favor of flag football. In northern Ohio, participation in tackle football is on the upswing at the youth and middle school levels, according to Adler, of Rube Adler Sporting Goods. "I've noticed an uptick in the numbers in our area for younger players," says Adler, noting that some youth teams are also playing 7-on-7 football. 4TH QUARTER OPPORTUNITY Women in Football While a significant number of football fans are female, the same can't be said for the number of female football players, but that's a scenario which is getting ready to change. For those females that want to play tackle football, USA Football has provided a national and international platform — the U.S. Women's Tackle National Team. is summer the U.S. Women's Tackle National Team's focus was winning the International Federation of American Football (IFAF) World Championship in Finland. To be a part of that team, the trials for the U.S. national team were held in Bradenton, FL, in February. e team was selected in April. e hard work paid off: the U.S. Women's Tackle National Team defeated Great Britain in the final, 42-14, to claim the gold medal. All of the previous efforts at women's football leagues was prelude to a move in mid-October, when USA Football formed its Girls' Football Advisory Council, which will provide leadership and guidance to the organization in its efforts to advance girls' involvement in the football pathway. e council will seek to expand and promote fair and equitable access to opportunities and resources for girls and women in football. USA Football, the sport's national governing body and a member of the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee, advocates for and provides girls and women athletes, coaches and football leaders opportunities to realize their full potential in pursuit of athletic excellence. "is is an era of unprecedented growth for girls and women in football as more communities, schools and universities expand offer- ings across flag and tackle in roles for athletes and coaches," points out USA Football CEO and executive director Scott Hallenbeck. "e 12 members of our Girls' Football Advisory Council are exceptional leaders and mentors in their fields. eir leadership and experience will benefit the girls and women we serve nationwide." n teaminsightmag.com November/December 2022 ~ Team Insight • 20 GUARANTEED ON-TIME DELIVERY OR ADDITIONAL 20% DISCOUNT APPLIED To order, visit lighthelmets.com or email Sales@lighthelmets.com THE LIGHTEST FOOTBALL HELMET ON THE MARKET The LIGHT LS2 is nearly half the weight of the competitors. A lighter helmet improves a player's performance and reduces fatigue while minimizing the kinetic energy of impacts experienced on the field – for more protection and better performance. NOCSAE Approved | Virginia Tech 5-Star Rated Light is the next generation in protection and performance. CAM RISING Utah Quarterback 2021 First-Team Pac-12 All-Conference Player

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