A group of seven-year-old football players from Tennessee will take the national stage later this month, representing Tennessee at the 5 Star Nation Youth All-American Games in Daytona Beach, Florida. The event brings together elite youth talent from across the country and provides young athletes with a rare opportunity to compete, learn, and be recognized on a national platform.
The Tennessee team was assembled through selections made by area coaches who identified standout athletes based on skill, effort, and character. Serving as head coach is Lydale Wells, a respected youth football coach in the region who has been closely involved in player development across multiple local programs.
A National Opportunity for Young Athletes
The 5 Star Nation Youth All-American Games are designed to showcase top youth football players in multiple age divisions. For these seven-year-olds, the experience extends well beyond wins and losses. Players will participate in pool play competition, skill evaluations, and championship games while representing their home state against teams from across the country.
The games will be held in Daytona Beach and streamed live through Fishback Streaming and the 5 Star Nation app, allowing families, friends, and supporters back home in Tennessee to follow along throughout the weekend.
Coach Wells noted that this opportunity is about exposure, confidence, and building lifelong memories.
“These kids were selected because of their dedication and love for the game,” Wells said. “To represent Tennessee at this level is something they will never forget.”
Local Roots, Statewide Pride
The roster reflects the strength of youth football across Middle Tennessee. Players were selected from several well-known local programs, highlighting the region’s depth of talent. Programs represented include Riverdale Jr. Warriors, Percy Priest Ducks, Franklin Cowboys, Blackman Youth League, Goodlettsville Youth League, Murfreesboro Knights Organization, and Shelbyville Youth League.
These organizations play a critical role in developing young athletes by emphasizing fundamentals, teamwork, and sportsmanship. Their collective efforts have helped create an environment where players can grow both on and off the field.
Special recognition was also given to community partners Berry Concrete and State of the Art Security for their contributions and support in helping make this opportunity possible.
Family Ties and Future Aspirations
Among the players is AJ Wells, the team’s starting running back and the son of head coach Lydale Wells. AJ is also the younger brother of Westview standout Coree Wells and has already drawn attention for his work ethic and passion for the game. According to Coach Wells, AJ looks up to Westview’s CD Damron and hopes to model his playing style after the high school standout.
While the athletes are still in the early stages of their football journeys, experiences like this often serve as foundational moments that fuel long-term growth and ambition.
More Than a Game
For these seven-year-old athletes, the trip to Daytona Beach represents far more than a football tournament. It is a milestone moment that reflects the time, commitment, and community support invested in their early development. Wearing Tennessee colors on a national stage offers validation not only for the players but also for the parents, coaches, and local programs that have poured countless hours into teaching fundamentals, discipline, and teamwork.
Experiences like the 5 Star Nation Youth All-American Games help young athletes understand what it means to compete with pride and represent something bigger than themselves. Traveling together, practicing as a unit, and facing unfamiliar opponents all contribute to lessons that extend beyond the field. These moments help build confidence, resilience, and a sense of belonging that often stays with athletes long after the final whistle.
For Middle Tennessee, this group symbolizes the strength of grassroots football across the region. The collaboration among multiple youth organizations and community partners highlights how collective investment can create meaningful opportunities for young players. It also reinforces the importance of positive coaching leadership and age-appropriate development at the youth level.
While the future paths of these athletes remain unwritten, this experience serves as an early chapter in their athletic journeys. Whether they continue in football or carry these lessons into other pursuits, the opportunity to compete on a national stage at such a young age leaves a lasting impression.
As these players take the field in Daytona Beach, they do so carrying the support of their hometowns and the pride of Middle Tennessee. Their presence at the 5 Star Nation Youth All-American Games stands as a reminder that youth sports, when guided with purpose and community support, can create powerful moments that shape confidence, character, and dreams for years to come.
Leave a Reply