Will is a twelve-year-old boy living in the economically struggling town of Forbes, Pennsylvania. A passionate football player with exceptional speed, he is determined to save his town's youth football program from cancellation due to lack of funding. Having lost his mother at a young age, he shares a close bond with his father, though they differ on their outlook toward the sport and the future. Will possesses a quiet maturity and prefers to lead by example rather than by taking charge.

Hannah is a new arrival in Forbes whose father relocated the family to audit the struggling local newspaper. She possesses tremendous kicking power and aim, making her a natural on the football field. Outspoken and determined, she actively challenges the gender norms of the local youth league by demanding a fair chance to play tackle football with the boys.

Joe is Will's father and a former high school football star whose athletic career was derailed by a severe knee injury. After losing his job when the local Forbes Flyer factory closed, he now walks a mail route despite his physical pain. He holds a deep-seated bitterness toward football, viewing it as a source of unfulfilled dreams, and regularly cautions Will against putting too much hope into the sport.

Kendrick is a wide receiver for the well-funded Castle Rock youth football program. He is highly competitive, arrogant, and relies heavily on aggressive trash talk to intimidate his opponents. Envious of the praise Will receives for his speed, Kendrick goes out of his way to humiliate him both during matches and in the parking lot afterward.

Tim is Will's best friend and a blocking back for the Forbes youth football team. Known as a bit of a class clown, he uses his physical size to his advantage on the field to open running paths for Will. He is a loyal and encouraging presence, though his family's economic situation puts his continued participation on the team at risk.

Toby is a talented former football player for Forbes who quit the sport two years prior. He walked away from the game entirely because of the overwhelming pressure and public bullying he endured from his own father during matches. Despite his absence from the field, he remains naturally athletic and observant.

Dick Keenan is Toby's father and a former high school football teammate of Joe Tyler. Known for his aggressive, mean-spirited approach to athletics, he is notorious in the community for bullying his son from the bleachers. His overbearing nature severely damages his son's relationship with football.

Mr. DeMartini is the CEO of New Balance, a major athletic shoe company. Deeply moved by a letter detailing the economic struggles of a small Pennsylvania town, he decides to sponsor the local youth football program, providing the crucial funding they need to field a team.

Ben is the quarterback for the affluent Castle Rock youth football team. Having formerly lived in Forbes, he represents the outward migration of talent from the struggling town. He respects Will's abilities and attempts to recruit him, contrasting with his more aggressive teammate Kendrick.

Chris is a dedicated member of the Forbes youth football team who steps up to try playing quarterback when the team is left without one. Like the rest of the players, he is deeply invested in keeping the season alive despite their severe lack of numbers.

Nick is Tim's father and a member of the Forbes town council. He previously helped establish the local football league so his son could play without weight restrictions. Like many adults in Forbes, he struggles with the local economy and actively looks for better employment opportunities elsewhere.