Seventeen-year-old Skylar Ruth probably knows more about football than other girls her age.

For the past three years, she has hosted the “Steelers KidZONE” television show.

Now the Butler High School senior, no stranger to the stage or the camera, is starting her fourth year on set.

This time she heads “Steelers Youth Football Show ’14”’ which focuses on youth football programs in neighboring communities, as well as outstanding senior athletes.

The “Steelers Youth Football Show ’14” airs at 10 a.m. Saturdays on Root Sports Pittsburgh.

“Several years ago, Gordon Cavalero gave me a flier for auditions that were being held in three locations in Western Pennsylvania. I auditioned for KidZONE and got called back and eventually landed a spot on the show,” Skylar said.

That ran three seasons. Now with the new focus, Skylar’s role has changed as well.

“I am busy writing interview questions for coaches, players and parents and rehearsing voice-over segments before the shoots,” she said.

The time commitment is large and includes most weekends during the high school football season.

Her parents, Calvin and Michele Ruth of Butler, seem to take it all in stride and juggle the schedule just as most parents juggle kids’ schedules.

Skylar’s sister Landis is also quite busy.

“Often we find ourselves split up and running in opposite directions like most families. We always make a point to have family play time sometime throughout the week. Often we still spend much of that time planning our activities for the following week,” said their mom.

“We absolutely love having Skylar in the business. We have been encouraging her to explore her talents since the age of 3. Certainly being huge Steeler fans has made this even more entertaining and rewarding for all of us,” she said.

Skylar said family and friends are also supportive and encouraging and have been following Skylar’s endeavors in musicals for years.

“The training in theater has made me very comfortable in front of a camera,” Skylar said.

“I have been in BTV (Butler High School’s TV production class) throughout high school, so this has been an incredible help on and off the camera and in the production as well,” she added.

Skylar would like to pursue broadcasting after high school.

“I hope my participation in these shows will offer me new opportunities and help me in deciding on my career,” she said.

Skylar receives a check directly from the Steelers organization and has had the opportunity to do some fun things and score some nice benefits as well.

“I have gotten some great Steeler wear over the years and a bathing suit also for when we filmed two segments at the soak zone in Idlewild Park,” she said.

“I’ve experienced more than I ever expected. Meeting Steelers, local young athletes, and working with such a great crew has been fantastic.

“I have gotten to kayak, bike ride, tour amusement parks, trampoline, model train exhibits, ceramics and finger paint, and zip line through the treetops with Steely McBeam,” Skylar said.

Her mother sees the job paying more than just material dividends. “This experience had given Skylar so much confidence especially when meeting and talking to people face to face. Often teens do not possess the social skills these days they will need as they grow into adulthood and when making career choices,” she said.

The Ruths encourage other parents to support the arts and entertainment fields.

“We have no reservations with her choosing a profession of this nature. She is very grounded. The only downside would be if and when she would have to relocate,” her mom said.