Nominations Open for Stead Family Children's Hospital 2026 Kid Captain Program

The program honors pediatric patients with once-in-a-lifetime experiences and shares their inspirational stories.

Published on Feb. 3, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The University of Iowa Health Care Stead Family Children's Hospital has opened nominations for its 2026 Kid Captain program, which honors pediatric patients with special experiences and shares their stories of resilience. Parents and legal guardians can nominate their children aged 18 and younger who are current or former patients of the hospital until March 13. Selected Kid Captains will receive a commemorative jersey, recognition from the hospital and Iowa Hawkeyes, and a behind-the-scenes tour of Kinnick Stadium.

Why it matters

The Kid Captain program provides meaningful experiences for pediatric patients and their families, helping to raise awareness of the hospital's work and the inspirational stories of the children it serves. It also strengthens the partnership between the hospital and the popular Iowa Hawkeyes football team.

The details

The Kid Captain program was established in 2009 by the University of Iowa Health Care Stead Family Children's Hospital in collaboration with the Iowa Hawkeyes. Nominations are open until March 13 for children aged 18 and younger who are current or former patients of the hospital. Parents and legal guardians can nominate their child to be either a home game or honorary (away game) Kid Captain. All Kid Captains will receive a commemorative jersey, special recognition, and a behind-the-scenes tour of Kinnick Stadium. Due to sideline safety concerns, only children who will be 6 or older by August 2026 may be nominated as a home game Kid Captain.

  • Nominations are open now until Friday, March 13, 2026.
  • The Kid Captains will receive their experiences in August 2026 before the start of the Iowa Hawkeyes football season.

The players

University of Iowa Health Care Stead Family Children's Hospital

A children's hospital in Iowa City, Iowa that partners with the Iowa Hawkeyes football team on the Kid Captain program.

Iowa Hawkeyes

The football team of the University of Iowa, which partners with the Stead Family Children's Hospital on the Kid Captain program.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

Parents have until March 13, 2026 to nominate their child for the 2026 Kid Captain program. The selected Kid Captains will be announced and honored in August 2026 before the start of the Iowa Hawkeyes football season.

The takeaway

The Stead Family Children's Hospital's Kid Captain program provides meaningful experiences for pediatric patients and their families, strengthening the hospital's partnership with the popular Iowa Hawkeyes football team and raising awareness of the inspiring stories of the children it serves.