Should girls be allowed to play football with the boys?

The hot button topic for sports bloggers today is Mo Isom, star goalie for LSU's women's soccer team, as she begins her attempt at trying out for kicker on the football team. Personally I don't think that her trying out should be such a big deal.  Girls have been playing on boys teams for years now, and she is not the first female to try out for a D1 football team. 

Speaking from the experience of a woman who plays in a men's lacrosse league, I can definitely say that Mo (or any girl looking to play with the boys for that matter) will likely face some adversity at first.  It can be difficult to penetrate into the "boys club" that many male teams become, but if Mo is made up of as strong of stuff as she seems to be she should be fine.  Actions speak louder than words, especially where sport is concerned.  If a girl can prove herself on the field then she will generally be accepted by a team with no problems. 

If anything, I believe the greater challenge that faces not only Mo but any girl going out for a boy's football team at any level is acceptance of the public and the media.  While a lot of male athletes are more than ready to accept that some women can in fact compete on their level, the public is less willing.  Listening to discussion on the radio today, the main concern appeared to be that Isom wouldn't be able to take a hit or try for a tackle after kickoff.  I am inclined to disagree.  While she may be of a lighter build than the other guys, aren't most kickers?  As long as she's doing the same things in practice that the other kickers do (which, let's be honest, isn't a lot) she should be fine.

Having been to many a Cleveland Fusion game to watch my best friend play, I can absolutely say that there is no reason girls shouldn't play football.  The women who play in the Women's Football Alliance are tough and strong, and I could easily see most of them playing right alongside the guys. 

This all said, I do not believe that teams should have to give up spots that would have been going to better players if there is pressure to "allow" a female to play on the team.  Title 9 allows girls the option to try out for the football team if they so choose if their school does not have a comparable female sport.  Try out does not necessarily mean make the team.  If someone goes out for a team and is a good enough athlete to merit a position, it shouldn't matter what their gender is.  If they're able to compete at the appropriate level then they should be allowed to compete, period.

I've seen girls play at or better than the boys in wrestling, ice hockey, lacrosse, and yes even football.  Once a girl proves herself on a team, there is no need to be concerned about distractions or problems, she and the rest of the team are there to win games.  In short, yes, I think that not only should girls be allowed to play football with they boys, they should be encouraged.  Don't like it?  Then encourage enough girls to play football that we form all-female teams at the high school and college level.  We need more girls in sports!