INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Amarious Powell and Kaden Holland, both 10-year-old youth football players, confidently explained what it means to block out distractions and lead rather than follow.

That is exactly the goal of the Independent Thinker program.

The Indy Steelers Youth Football League and Stop the Violence Indy partnered to launch the five-week course for boys ages 5 to 13. The program focuses on vocabulary, reflection and self-discipline in a time when many children face constant digital distractions.

“It helped me become an independent thinker,” Kaden said. “I know how to block out external noise and follow the principles.”

Asked how that applies in everyday life, Kaden pointed to situations at school.

“At school, when my friends are playing and we’re supp...