Full Contact Programs
U11 (Formally ATOM) Age 8-10 TACKLE FOOTBALL - August to October 2024
REGISTRATION NOW OPEN
Practices start August 7th and run 6-730pm Monday, Wednesday and Thursday until mid October
6 on 6 - Tackle Format - Players born 2016, 2015, 2014 (2016* 8 year old have the choice between Novice Flag or Atom Tackle in the Fall season)
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. The goal of the U11 program is 100% Developmental. Winning is a bonus, but it is NOT our main priority.
U11 players enjoy skills fun, an introduction to the game and lots of developmental opportunity in both practice and game formats. Games are introduced in September and are played against other U11 teams in the CDMFA (Capital District Minor Football Association) region. U11 will practice from 6pm to 730pm Monday, Wednesday and Thursday at FX Grass fields. Games are always held on the weekend on either Saturday or Sunday.
U13 (Formally PEEWEE) Age 11-12 TACKLE FOOTBALL - August to November 2024
REGISTRATION NOW OPEN
Practices start August 7th and run 6-8pm Monday, Wednesday and Thursday until mid October
9 on 9 - Tackle Format - Players born 2013, 2012
The U13 program is designed to introduce players to the strategy, and teamwork involved in 12 on 12 Canadian football. Practice continues to focus on skills, safe tackling, technique and fitness. As the season unfolds, more emphasis is placed on learning the team Playbook (both Offensive Plays and Defensive Plays) and a great deal of vocabulary is introduced. There is a 50/50 focus on player development vs. competitiveness at this 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 this level. Players at the U13 level can range from barely 5 feet tall and 100lbs to well over 6 feet and 250+ pounds. Coaches will often adjust positions and play time based on such factors to maintain player safety at all times. If there is a concern about your player’s field time, please see the Coaches.
During the regular season, August to November, U13 will practice from 6pm to 8pm Monday, Wednesday and Thursday at FX Grass fields. Games are always held on the weekend on either Saturday or Sunday. Play-offs can run as late as mid November.
U16 (Formally BANTAM) Age 13-15 TACKLE FOOTBALL - August-November 2024
REGISTRATION NOW OPEN
Practices start August 7th and run 6-8pm Monday, Wednesday and Thursday until mid October
12 on 12 - Tackle Format - Players born 2011, 2010, (2009* if NOT attending Grade 10 in September 2024)
The goal of our U16 program is to provide a safe, fun and team environment where our players can further their skills, their game knowledge and their fitness levels while playing in a much more competitive environment. Less time is spent on the fundamentals of the game and much more time is spent on the Playbook, reading the field and special teams. There is a 90% focus on being competitive at this level.
Our U16 program is the culmination of our Atom and Peewee programs, but NEW players are always welcome! As there is less time spent on the fundamentals at this level, players are encouraged to join the Raiders Spring Training, to participate in other football training events (we can point you in the right direction) and to speak to the Coaches as additional training can be arranged - PLEASE keep in mind that our Coaches are volunteers.
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, and of the Raiders Football Club is player safety at all times. If we believe that there is a chance a player could be injured - they will NOT play. If you are concerned about play time, you are invited to speak to the Coaches.
During the regular season, August to November, U16 will practice from 6pm to 8pm Monday, Wednesday and Thursday at FX Grass fields. Games are always held on the weekend on either Saturday or Sunday. Play-offs for U16 begins at the end of October/start of November. Play-offs are played in a single elimination format so you play until you lose. Play-offs can run as late as the 3rd week in November depending on Tiering and performance.
SPRING FEMALE (Age 14-16)(Age 17-19) TACKLE FOOTBALL - March to June 2025
REGISTRATION COMING JANUARY 2025
6 on 6 - Tackle Format - (U16 - Players born 2012, 2011, 2010) (U19 - Players born 2009, 2008, 2007) *Teams will be combined if registration numbers are low. Registrants will be notified prior to combining programs for parental approval
While female athletes are always welcome to register for our Fall Tackle programs within their age division, once these kids reach the high school level, they are not always comfortable playing co-ed sports and sometimes, it's just not that simple. The goal of our Spring Senior Female Tackle Program is to ensure our female athletes have a safe, fun and team environment where our players can further their skills, their game knowledge and their fitness levels, while playing in a much more competitive place after their Bantam years, who may not be able to play high school football for a number of reasons.
This spring season will start with a few CDMFA league wide combined camps at Foote Field in February where the girls get to know each other as teammates and opponents, while working in different stations, with different coaches in drills to better assess their ability while learning multiple positions and football fundamentals. These combined camps are the best time to come out and try football, without any previous experience and do not require pre-enrollment or club registration.
