UI Children’s Hospital Seeks Kid Captain Nominations for Football Season

Nominations are now open for the 2026 University of Iowa Health Care Stead Family Children’s Hospital Kid Captain program, offering pediatric patients a unique opportunity to be honored during Iowa Hawkeyes football games. The program, established in 2009, recognizes the strength and resilience of young patients battling illness.

Parents and legal guardians can nominate current or former pediatric patients of Stead Family Children’s Hospital who are 18 years of age or younger. The nomination period will remain open until March 13, 2026.

The Kid Captain program provides selected children with a commemorative jersey, special recognition from both Stead Family Children’s Hospital and the Iowa Hawkeyes, and an invitation to a behind-the-scenes tour of Kinnick Stadium in August 2026. Families can nominate their child to be a home game Kid Captain or an honorary Kid Captain for an away game.

A key safety requirement dictates that children must be at least 6 years old by August 2026 to be eligible for the role of home game Kid Captain. This stipulation is in place due to sideline safety regulations.

The program’s origins trace back to 2009, when Jack Koehn of Mount Vernon was selected as the inaugural Kid Captain, cheered on by fans alongside legendary Hawkeye football coach Hayden Fry. Since then, over 200 children have been recognized through the program.

More information about the Kid Captain program, including the nomination process, is available at uichildrens.org/kidcaptain.

The Kid Captain program aims to share inspirational stories of pediatric patients and provide them with memorable experiences. It represents a collaboration between University of Iowa Health Care and the Iowa Hawkeyes, highlighting a commitment to supporting young patients and their families.