Behind the Whistle: Get to Know Coach James Purvis

James Purvis
Dec 2, 2024
3 min read

Updated: Apr 24

Hey everyone! I’m Coach James Purvis, and I want to share a bit about my journey—what led me to football, why I coach, and how Little Legends Football was born.

What Led Me to Football?

It all started as a little kid the first time I watched Joe Montana orchestrate one of his illustrious game winning drives capped off with an impossible touchdown pass that split defenders like a surgeon wielding a scalpel. I was hooked ever since.

Watching all-time greats like Joe Montana, John Elway, Dan Marino, and Troy Aikman growing up inspired me not only to play football, but to take on the daunting yet highly rewarding position as a quarterback. In my senior year of high school, I helped lead our team to victory in the 4A State Football Championship in Colorado, giving me the ultimate taste of success and the thrill of competing at the highest level.

Being a quarterback taught me invaluable lessons both on and off the field. It helped me develop leadership skills, quick decision-making, and the ability to stay calm under pressure. Beyond the game, these qualities translated into strong communication, accountability, and a mindset to tackle challenges with confidence and resilience.

Although I decided not to pursue football at the collegiate level, I kept playing in various flag football leagues in college and post-college to keep the competitive juices flowing and continue learning the game.

“Football is like life-it requires perseverance, self-denial, hard work, sacrifice, dedication, and respect for authority.” - Vince Lombardi

Coaching the Next Generation

My love and experience for the game of football have been some of the driving forces behind my decision to coach youth athletes. During my first season as a coach, I quickly realized that coaching is a passion of mine that’s rooted in the joy of seeing a child's potential unfold. It’s about more than teaching plays or techniques; it’s about shaping character, instilling discipline, and inspiring confidence that a kid can carry with them forever.

There’s an unmatched fulfillment for me in helping a young player achieve a breakthrough moment—whether it’s mastering a skill, understanding teamwork, or realizing their own capabilities. This passion comes from knowing that the lessons taught on the field often translate into lifelong values I’ve experienced like resilience, leadership, and perseverance.

“A good coach can change a game. A great coach can change a life.” - John Wooden

Here is a look at some of my accomplishments as a coach and a player:

1999 4A State Champion (Colorado) - Quarterback & Free Safety
6X Beach City Sports flag football league champion (California) - Quarterback
4X NFL Flag Football league champions (LTYA) - Head Coach

Why I Started Little Legends Football

After coaching several successful seasons of NFL Youth Flag Football in the Lake Travis area (outside Austin, TX), I noticed there was virtually nothing else offered locally for young players to further enhance their growth and development in the sport outside of league play and a few camps here and there 30 - 45 minutes away. On top of that, there really wasn't anything available for kids under the age of 8.

Flag football team practices are often limited and ineffective, especially at the younger levels. Many coaches lack the experience, skill set, and tools needed to make a meaningful impact. Additionally, team practices alone aren't enough for real player development. Why? Position-specific training is minimal, repetitions are limited, and feedback is often generic—leaving young athletes without the focused instruction they need to improve.

Did you know? Athletes retain and master skills up to 80% faster with individualized coaching compared to group settings due to focused attention and personalized instruction. (Source: Journal of Sports Science & Coaching)

Just like that, Little Legends Football was born.

My goal is to provide position-based skills training to younger athletes so that they can get ahead of the curve early in their development and maximize their potential.

I specialize in teaching proper throwing mechanics, precise route-running, flag pulling, evasive running, and agility training for youngsters.

Join a Little Legends Football Camp and your child will experience the thrill of the game under the guidance of a dedicated coach who is committed to making a positive impact on the next generation of football stars here in the Lake Travis area and beyond!