For over 50 years, South County Football League has been more than a local sports organization in The Woodlands. It has been a cornerstone of family, tradition and transformation. While the league offers tackle football and cheerleading for children ages 5-12, its true impact stretches far beyond the field.
“[SCFL] is about the transformational experiences we provide to families and young athletes,” President Josh Bailey said. “We are a league deeply rooted in family, community and lifelong impact.”
Every practice, every cheer and every game day is grounded in a shared belief: that sports can shape lives in meaningful ways. Respect, character and community are the heartbeat of everything SCFL stands for.
“We’re trying to raise amazing humans who are well-rounded, adjusted to society and who want to give back to their community. That’s our mission here at SCFL,” Bailey said.
Family testimonial
Sarah Rushing, a parent whose two children have played in the league, shared her family’s experience:
“When our family moved to The Woodlands in 2018, we didn’t know anyone,” she said. “We were new to the area, looking for a way to connect with others and become part of the community. That all changed when we joined the South County Football League that fall.”
From the very first practice, the Rushing family felt instantly welcomed.
“SCFL quickly became more than just a sports league to us. It became a second family,” Rushing said. “Over the years, both my husband and I, as well as our three children, have made lifelong friendships through SCFL.”
Her husband’s deep involvement as both a coach and board member allowed him to make an even more significant impact on the league, and their children quickly learned the values of teamwork, leadership and discipline.
“It’s been amazing to watch them grow, not just as athletes, but as individuals who are now eager to give back to others,” Rushing said.
Their oldest, despite aging out of the league, continues to give back.
“[Our oldest] still remains actively involved, mentoring younger players, helping at practices and volunteering at summer camps,” Rushing said. “It’s heartwarming to see how the league has shaped his character and inspired him to pay it forward.”
As a family, the Rushings look forward to every football season, not just for the game but for the memories and relationships built.
“We are proud to be a part of the SCFL family and can’t wait to continue to pour back into this incredible organization, just as we were welcomed all those years ago,” Rushing said. “Thank you, SCFL, for being such an important part of our journey!”
A game for everyone
SCFL fosters an inclusive culture. Girls are welcome on the football field, and boys are encouraged to cheer.
“We had a girl on our [football] team, and she was an absolute beast. She was tougher than most of the boys I had on my team,” Bailey said. “We welcome that, and we’re seeing that grow across the alliance, which is really cool.”
Prioritizing safety through education and technique
The league has continuously adapted over the years, especially as safety in youth sports has become a major national conversation. The league puts an emphasis on teaching proper form and fundamentals, including rugby-style tackling, to reduce injury risks.
“The earlier [athletes] get into football, the better it is for them,” Bailey said. “They’re learning how to tackle and how to get tackled. They’re learning how to hit and how to take a hit. That goes a long way in preventing injuries.”
Bailey also noted that over 85% of catastrophic football injuries occur in athletes who begin playing after age 10, highlighting the importance of early, structured training.
To further strengthen its safety measures, SCFL partners with Memorial Hermann Hospital to ensure medical staff and trainers are on-site at every game.
“We have been tremendously blessed to have had minimal injuries over the last several years, which I believe demonstrates our commitment to the health and safety of every athlete,” Bailey said.
Registration, tryouts and what’s ahead
Looking to the future, SCFL is focused on outreach and making sure more families know about the opportunities the league offers.
- Tryouts for the upcoming season begin July 11-12, with additional sessions July 18.
- Teams will be announced during the SCFL Draft on July 20.
- Registration is $325 per athlete through June 30. After that, the cost increases to $375.
- Fees cover practices, games and uniforms. Families will need to supply helmets, cleats and other protective gear.
- Scholarships are available for qualifying families.
A legacy of leadership and a bright future
At its core, SCFL is about giving kids a foundation to grow into strong, confident and compassionate individuals. From safety and skill-building to sportsmanship and community values, SCFL continues to lead the way in youth athletics in The Woodlands.
Ready to join a league that cares about your child’s future on and off the field? Learn more and register for tryouts by emailing Bailey at [email protected].
The above story was produced by Multi Platform Journalist Sydney Heller with Community Impact’s Storytelling team with information solely provided by the local business as part of their “sponsored content” purchase through our advertising team.
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