Full Contact Programs
FALL TACKLE SEASON 2024
U9 Flag (Born 2016, 2017 and 2018)(Formerly Novice)
(Players born 2016, 2017, and 2018)
The goal of our U9 program is to practice footwork, eye-hand coordination, catching, throwing and overall technique during their practice times twice a week. Players learn the fundamentals of football movement, terminology, routes and more while learning to work in unison in a team environment. Our Novice program is designed to develop skills, provide a basic understanding of football terminology, and will allow players to expand their skills which also benefits athletes as they move into Tackle Football program.
During the regular season, May 30 to October, Novice will practice from 6pm to 8pm Tuesday and Thursday. Games are always held on the weekend on either Saturday or Sunday. There is NO football at any of our levels in July.
U11 6/Side Tackle (Born 2014, 2015 and 2016)(Formerly Atom Tackle)
(Players born 2014, 2015, and 2016)
6 on 6 - Tackle Format
The goal of our U11 program is to provide a safe, positive and educational environment for players to learn the fundamentals of football. The skill of tackling is broken down step by step following safe tackling guidelines so that players learn proper technique. Players are introduced to all positions in practice and scrimmage situations. The goal of the Atom program is 100% Developmental.
U11 players enjoy skills as an introduction to the game with lots of developmental opportunity in both practice and game formats. Games are introduced in late August / early September and are played against other Atom teams in the CDMFA (Capital District Minor Football Association) region.
During the regular season, May 24 to October, Atoms will practice from 6pm to 8pm Tuesday and Thursday. May 14 to May 28 - no contact practice, May 28 - 30th - Safe Contact with Equipment, June until the end of season will be full contact with equipment. Games are always held on the weekend on either Saturday or Sunday. There is NO football at any of our levels in July.
U13 9/Side Tackle(Born 2012 and 2013)(Formerly PeeWee Tackle)
(Players born 2012 and 2013)
9 on 9 - Tackle Format
The goal of the U13 program is to introduce players to the strategy, and teamwork involved in 9 on 9 football. Practice continues to focus on skills, safe tackling, technique and fitness. Throughout the season more emphasis is placed on learning the team Playbook (both Offensive Plays and Defensive Plays). There is a 50/50 focus on player development vs. competitiveness at the U13 level.
U13 players experience a much faster game with more “thinking” required by players on the field, and practice is designed to provide players with the ability to make these decisions on the field. Special Teams are introduced at the Peewee level. Coaches will often adjust positions and play time based on such factors to maintain player safety at all times.
During the spring season May 14 - June 8 U16 will practice Tuesdays & Thursdays. Following the first few weeks starting June 9 - October, U16 will practice 6PM - 8PM Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. May 14 to May 28 - no contact practice, May 28 - 30th - Safe Contact with Equipment, June until the end of season will be full contact with equipment. Games are always held on the weekend on either Saturday or Sunday, and MAY include long weekends. Play-offs can run as late as mid November. There is NO football at any of our levels in July.
U16 Tackle(Born in 2009, 2010 and 2011)(Formerly Bantam)
(Players born 2009, 2010, 2011) Must NOT be in grade 10 high school in the Fall 2024-2025 school year*
12 on 12 - Tackle Format
The goal of our U16 program is to provide a safe, fun and team environment where our players can further their skills, game knowledge and fitness levels. Less time is spent on the fundamentals of the game and more is spent on the Playbook, reading the field and special teams. There is a 90% focus on being competitive at this level.
All U16 players are provided equal training and developmental opportunity at practice. Game time is predicated on skill level, competitor, effort and attitude. The goal of our field staff is player safety at all times. If we believe that there is a chance a player could be injured - they will NOT play.
U16 season starts on May 20 for 1 hr on Mondays for strength training @ E.A.T.S. Gym - either 5-6 or 6-7pm - players time to be determined once registered. During the spring season May 14 - June 8 U16 will practice Tuesdays & Thursdays. Following the first few weeks starting June 9 - October, U16 will practice 6PM - 8PM Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. May 14 to May 28 - no contact practice, May 28 - 30th - Safe Contact with Equipment, June until the end of season will be full contact with equipment. Games are always held on the weekend on either Saturday or Sunday and MAY include long weekends. There is NO football at any of our levels in July.
Playoffs for U16 players begin at the end of October / start of November. Playoffs are played in a single elimination format. Playoffs can run as late as the 3rd week in November depending on Tiering and performance.
