Local coaches aim to make youth football safer to reduce concussions

SAN ANTONIO - It's one of the biggest topics dominating the conversation in the NFL.

Now youth coaches here in San Antonio are changing the way kids play football.

The biggest thing these coaches want the kids to take away is the way they tackle. Not leading with your head to avoid traumatic brain injury that could change the rest of their lives.

A game played and loved by many, can leave some athletes in the hospital with a brain injury that could affect them years down the road.

It can all start on the gridiron.

"Youth football is under attack right now," said Kennie Long, Texas Youth Football Association Play-by-play announcer.

Talk of brain injuries have dominated conversation surrounding football, which is why TYFA is changing the way kids play the sport by teaching volunteer coaches how to tackle properly. Then the message can be passed down to the youth athletes.

"It's the first year we've embarked on the rugby style of tackling," said Brian Morgan, TYFA CEO.

Teaching kids to tackle with their shoulders and keeping their head out of the game in turn making it safer, less controversial.

"Two states have already outlawed youth football under the age of 12-years-old," Morgan said. "We don't want to be one of those states."

Those who love the game hope this new generation of football players will learn how to play the game safer.