The Lott family in Berea is no different than many families in the region during the fall.
In Northeast Ohio, football season dominates our screens, as well as school stadiums on Friday nights.
Kyle and Amanda Lott have seen the sport help their three boys, Oscar, 11, Elliot, 9, and Max, 6, who all play in the Lou Groza Titans Youth Football and Cheer league in Berea.
“Football has benefited our boys in so many ways beyond just learning how to play the game,” Kyle Lott says. “It has taught them discipline, communication, teamwork and perseverance. They’ve learned that everyone has a role to play and that success depends on trusting and working with the people around you.”
Amanda Lott says for their oldest son, Oscar, the family tried other sports when he was little, like t-ball, but after going into flag football, Oscar found a sport he really loved and was good at, and then all the other brothers followed. “Now they really love it — watching it and playing it,” she says of the boys.
Football is now a weekend staple, from having games themselves to participating in a family fantasy league.
“One of our biggest traditions is simply watching football together,” Kyle Lott says. “We love watching the Cleveland Browns — and Ohio State football is another big one in our house. Whether we’re watching a game together or talking about football throughout the week, it’s something that brings our family together.
Amanda Lott, who owns a photography business, Studio Lott, says she often records all the boys’ games and the family spends their time re-watching them on the weekends.
“We try to use football as a microcosm for life in general,” Kyle Lott adds. “There are going to be highs and lows, successes and
failures, and seasons where things are easier and seasons where things are difficult. Football gives our boys an opportunity to experience those things in a controlled environment and learn how to handle them.”
Amanda Lott adds she feels it has helped with confidence as the boys get to meet other kids.
“It helps to become well-rounded young men, keeping them focused not only in football and school — they stay busy and stay strong,” she says.
As with many sports families, it can get hectic when managing three different game and practice schedules, in addition to their nonsports life.
Amanda Lott advises parents just to embrace the season and not to stop life, but to plan other things around their games.
“Being there to support them because you know it’s temporary,” she says. “To be there, show up and cheer them on from the sidelines.”
She adds that they keep everyone on track for school, but also keep the kids hydrated and eating healthy snacks.
“Our boys actually enjoy pretty healthy snacks, so we keep it pretty simple,” Kyle Lott says. “You’ll find everything from Chomps beef sticks to apples and Greek yogurt. We try to give them snacks they enjoy that also keep them fueled for all the activity they have going on.”
While football, like other sports, has a potential for injuries, Amanda Lott advises parents who might be fearful to try flag football first, which helps kids get the concept and allows them to continue to grow.
Kyle Lott says his biggest advice would be to not quit when things get difficult.
“There will be times when your child struggles, doesn’t get the playing time they want, makes mistakes or simply isn’t enjoying the game as much as they once did. Those moments can be some of the most valuable,” he says. “Keep working, keep encouraging them and, most importantly, help them enjoy the process. There is a life season in every aspect of the game. Every stage teaches you something different, and the goal isn’t just to develop a better football player — it’s to help develop a better person.”