For the love of the game

LAKEWOOD RANCH — Thirteen-year-old Bailey Jackson knows all eyes are on him every time he steps out onto the field.

Over the past seven years, the Imagine School at Lakewood Ranch eighth-grader has transitioned from a relatively non-athletic child to one of i9 Sports’ most recognizable faces.

But Bailey isn’t fueled by individual accolades. Rather, it’s the experience and ability to teach others that has continued to drive the i9 Sports quarterback and safety year in and year out.

“It’s about the kids,” Bailey said. “I like helping them. It’s like a learning experience.

“My experience over the past six years that I’ve been playing … the best thing that I can do is to teach them the ways of the sport rather than selfishly playing for myself,” he said.

Bailey began playing football for i9 Sports shortly after his family moved to Parrish when he was 6 years old. Bailey, who had no previous athletic experience, quickly adapted and started learning everything he could about the sport.

Bailey also played basketball and soccer for i9 Sports, but football has always been where his passion lies.
During his first season with i9 Sports, Bailey scored the game-winning touchdown to lead his team to a championship — his first and only championship.

“It was pretty cool because I made the winning touchdown,” Bailey said.

In addition to learning the fundamentals of the game, Bailey also has learned the importance of teamwork, responsibility and respect for others — values he hopes to pass on to the younger players in the league.

“When you have teammates playing with you, community comes to mind,” Bailey said. “If they make a wrong move you need to respect them instead of bringing them down.

“I also love my teammates,” Bailey said. “They respect me and don’t bring me down. They lift me up. I like being a leader. My gifts and talents are playing football and preaching.”

Over the past six years, Bailey has become i9 Sports’ most tenured player, having played three seasons of football, every year since he joined the league. In addition to being his team’s signal caller, Bailey also leads the league in interceptions — 13 of which came during his first season in the league.

Bailey, who can continue playing for i9 Sports until he’s 15 years old, will return to the field Sept. 29 with the goal of leading his team to another championship.

“I think it’s a privilege,” Bailey said of being the longest tenured player in the league. “I didn’t know that until just recently. I just wanted to play because it’s fun.

“I’m the face of i9 Sports,” Bailey said. “I need to be the leader and reach out to other people. I’m a role model.”

Contact Jen Blanco at [email protected].