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Homeschooled boys in New Orleans now have an opportunity to play competitive tackle football. Local boys ages 13-18 make up the Home School Saints. In addition to playing against other Louisiana homeschool teams, they play against teams in the Louisiana Christian School Athletic Association. The non-profit organization Louisiana Home School Sports is directing the team which plays their home games in Pan American Stadium in City Park. The creation of this team opens a door for boys who haven't had such an opportunity before.
While homeschooled kids in Louisiana can play football with a team like the Home School Saints, other homeschooled kids around the United States can play at their local high school. Yes, you heard that right, children who are learning from home are allowed to try out for high school athletics in 24 states. The thought of playing public or private school athletics has moved from a dream to reality for those children who live in those states. There are 15 additional states that are currently considering this same legislation. This idea is not something new, some states have had this law in place for 10 years. Recent popularity of University of Florida quarterback Tim Tebow could be a reason for more states trying to get on board with this program. While the Heisman Trophy winner was homeschooled, he played football at Nease High School, which is a public school.
Louisiana attempted to pass the controversial legislation earlier this year. House Bill 531, which would allow Louisiana homeschool students to participate in public school athletics, was approved by the Senate. Shortly after the approval, it died in amendment discussion. Next session, the bill is assumed to be readdressed. There are approximately 8,000 homeschooled students across the state of Louisiana who could take advantage of this opportunity.
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