I don't think it is really. My only gripe is some coaches are not fit to be coaches. One tell is when idiots have kids practicing when it is way too damned hot. Those days would be better served inside learning play books and perhaps learning signal calling or reading defenses. Another tell is coaches who do not teach to tackle properly which causes many kids to sustain unnecessary injuries.
Soccer is a better sport for young kids for many reasons. Then switch to football in the 7th grade at the earliest.
Soccer was my first sport, then basketball in 2nd grade, baseball in 4th, didnt start football until 6th grade because I was way small for that age. I wouldn't start my kid off in football to early either, instead I would gauge it on his physical and athletic ability. If I dont feel my kid is strong enough or developed enough for football then he wont play until I feel confident he can hack it.
My son played soccer K-9th grade, with some basketball & baseball mixed in. He didn't start football until 10th grade and he did very well.
Age appropriate it is. I have taught PE for 37 years. Little kids LOVE soccer and less structured games. Flag football for some 3rd and then 4-6th for sure, Tackle football 7th and up. Hitting hard balls in baseball at 7 is just as ridiculous. Let them play softball or better yet something where they MOVE a lot more. Basketball and soccer.
