Would you encourage your child to defy convention?

I was going to ask a question about girls playing tackle football, but the issue is much larger than what I first had in mind.

Examples:
Should girls play tackle (American) football?
Should boys play the flute?

I think children should pursue their interests if they have the talent and enthusiasm to play, but is the ridicule they might receive from their peers worth it?

Our 10 year old daughter just signed up for JFL (junior football league.) The coaches at sign up looked very surprised. It may have been a first for our community. She wants to do this, but I wonder if there will be any backlash. This is the inspiration for my question.