After-school activities are an important part of children's social development. Children who are home-schooled have had a difficult time getting involved in extra-curricular activities, until now.

The Northside Christian Athletics Lions has made history as one of the first home-school football teams in the country.

Brandon, who has been home-schooled his entire life, played for the team as a quarterback.

"I had always been sort of resigned to the fact that I was gonna have to miss out on athletics in high school, but then when we found out about NCA, we were like, 'Oh, my gosh, this is great. Now I can actually play,' " said Brandon.

According to the National Christian Home School Athletic Association, organized sports teams for home-schooled children have been steadily growing since the early 1990s. Today, all told, there are an estimated 3,000 sports teams.

Experts say it's a significant trend.

"I think it is broadening horizons for home-schooled children," said Dr. Carol Drummond, a clinical psychologist. "The stereotype has been the kids stay at home with their parents, they don't interact with other children, they don't learn the give-and-take of relationships other than with their siblings and I think that's changing as more and more kids are home-schooled," he said.

In fact, Drummond said, as more kids are home-schooled, more opportunities for social interaction will occur even beyond sports.

"I do think home-school parents are becoming more and more assertive. The kids I see participate in sports, and drama…they meet together in small groups for higher level math, science, those types of things," said Drummond.

As for the Lions, the players say they're just glad to have an opportunity.

"It fills a huge void. And hopefully, more and more home-school football teams will spring up around the country," said Jonathan. "I'm so happy to play football…so happy."

Related Information

Home schooling used to be the only way for children to learn. Lately it's been making a comeback. Over the past 20 years the number of children being home-schooled has swelled to an estimated one million or more, according to the Home School Legal Defense Association.

Home schooling is an educational alternative in which parents assume the primary responsibility for the education of their children. The United States Constitution protects the right to home school a child. However, individual states regulate home schools and regulations may vary from state to state. For example, some states require periodic, mandatory achievement tests for home schooled children, while others do not.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents may be attracted to home schooling due to a desire to provide a safe, secure learning environment. Statistics show an increase in home schooling takes place after acts of school violence. Other parents see home schooling as an opportunity to provide as much religious education as they desire.

In addition, proponents say home schooling:

Provides an opportunity for more emphasis on life skills education.

Limits exposure to negative social experiences.

Provides an opportunity to strengthen parent-child bonds.

Provides more one-on-one teaching and learning.

Allows curriculum and teaching methods to be tailored to meet the individual needs of each student.

Allows flexibility in what is taught.

If you are considering home schooling your children, psychologist Dr. Rex Forehand of the Institute for Behavioral Research at the University of Georgia, has the following advice:

Consider your motives. As you do this, remember that an education is more than what you learn academically. Being part of a group, learning to work as a member of a class and developing peer relationships are also important.

Talk to others who have home schooled their children. Learn the pluses and minuses of this approach to education.

Think long term. Do you see this as a temporary solution or a long term one? Are you trying to prepare your child for college? Will home schooling increase or decrease her chances of enrollment in the college of her choice?

Consider other alternatives: It is not necessarily a choice between home schooling and public education. There are various types of private schools available.

Plan thoughtfully before you act, including what is best for your child.

Information Gathered From Connecting With Kids