No. While the Arlington Youth Football Club has the full support of Arlington High School (with AHS football coaches currently on the AYFC board of directors), the AYFC is a privately operated, non-profit, all-volunteer program. Our Board Members are elected annually and consist of dedicated parents and community members who support our mission to revive and grow youth tackle football in Arlington.

No. There are no tryouts, and there are mandatory play requirements—every child is guaranteed to play. AYF sets a minimum number of plays per game based on team size:

• 16–25 Players = 8 plays

• 26–30 Players = 6 plays

• 31–36 Players = 4 plays

1st week of practice will be the entire week of Aug 10-14 M-F 530-730 (at McClennen Park/Field in Arlington).

After week one, practices will settle down to Tue, Wed, Thu 530pm-730pm at McClennen Field.

• Our exact 2026 game schedule is still TBA, but our first game of the season is confirmed for Sunday, Sept 13, 2026.

• Home games are held at Peirce Field @ Arlington High School

• The regular season runs for 8 consecutive weeks 9/13-11/1. With likely 1 bye week ie. 7 games.

• Most games last year started at 1030am with some at 12p or 3pm.

• Games run about 85min on average

Team assignment is based on grade and age, per AYF guidelines. This ensures:

• Kids in the same grade play together

• Players grow with their teammates year after year

We currently offer two tackle football teams:

• 5th & 6th Grade Team

• 7th & 8th Grade Team

• Each team is structured to provide age-appropriate coaching, safety, and competition while helping players build skills and confidence.

• Teams are structured for appropriate physical development

If a large number of players register at one level, we may form multiple teams, but players will remain with their grade-level peers.

AYFC is run by volunteers—and we need your help! Fill out the form here:

Each team requires:

• 1 Play Counter per game (to ensure play minimums are met)

• 1 Spotter per game (on the opposing sideline to confirm accuracy)

• 3 Chain Crew Volunteers for home games (to operate down markers aka ‘moving the sticks’). Best “seats” in the house!

• Planners/Organizers for our end-of-year Banquet Dinner.

You are only responsible for:

• Football cleats

• Mouthguard

• Game socks

• Water bottle

AYFC will provide all other equipment, including:

• Helmet

• Shoulder pads

• Practice uniform (jersey and pants)

• Game uniforms (home and away jerseys and pants)

All AYFC helmets are NOCSAE certified and are required to be re-certified every 2 years. The majority of these helmets are Riddell Victors, Speed Icon Youth or Speed Classic Youth. Special thanks to the Dan Kelly Foundation for the generous grant which allows us to provide proper safety equipment to our athletes.

To participate in practice, each player must:

• Submit 3 documents: a Birth Certificate (with raised seal, no photocopies), 2026 physical form (or medical waiver), last years Report Card,

• Attend the scheduled equipment handout day (Aug 3rd, 2026, 4-5pm behind AHS)

During the initial conditioning period, players wear:

• Helmet

• T-shirt

• Athletic shorts

• Football cleats

Players must bring a mouthguard and a water bottle to every practice. Please avoid juice or sports drinks, which are often left behind.

Note: No jewelry may be worn during practice or games (e.g., earrings, necklaces, bracelets, watches).

info@arlingtonyouthfootball.org

AYFC is a proud member of the Northeast Commonwealth Youth Football and Cheer (NECYFC). As a member of this competitive league, Arlington teams compete against strong programs from nearby towns including:

• Reading

• Melrose

• Stoneham

• Wakefield

• Wilmington

• Watertown

• Saugus

• Chelsea

American Youth Football (AYF), established in 1996, is an international youth football and cheerleading organization created to promote the healthy development of youth through engagement with positive adult role models in the sport of American football. Rules are designed to ensure player safety and balanced competition across teams.

AYF is one of the largest youth football organizations in the world. It focuses on learning, playing, and enjoying the sport while instilling high character standards, such as academic achievement and community service. Players develop confidence and teamwork skills that translate far beyond football—into school, family, and life.

Core values include sportsmanship, teamwork, honesty, responsibility, and self-discipline. By teaching kids to play by the rules, we help them learn to live by them.