As someone who played youth football, starting when I was in second grade (seven years old), I can empathize with those who want to keep it. I can understand the perspective of those who want their son or daughter to experience what I did- practicing under the lights, scoring touchdowns, and being allowed to hit somebody without getting in trouble.
Youth football helped me fall in love with the game, and fall in love with sports in general. It was the gateway to my athletic career.