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.

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

• Reading

• Melrose

• Stoneham

• Wakefield

• Wilmington

• Watertown

No. Arlington Youth Football is a privately operated, non-profit, all-volunteer program. The Board of Directors is elected annually and consists 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:

• 31–36 Players = 4 plays

• 26–30 Players = 6 plays

• 16–25 Players = 8 plays

We currently offer two tackle football teams:

• 5th & 6th Grade Team ($125.player before June 1. $200.player after June 1)

• 7th & 8th Grade Team ($225/player before June 1, $300/player after June 1)

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

Games are typically played on Sundays. The official game schedule will be posted on our website before the season begins.

• Games are played in 10-minute quarters

• Standard clock stoppages apply, depending on gameplay

• Halftime and timeouts are observed per league rules

AYFC is run entirely by volunteers—and we need your help!

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)

To participate, each child must:

• Submit a completed physical form before the first practice

• Attend the scheduled equipment handout day

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).

You are only responsible for:

• Football cleats

• Mouthguard

• Game socks

• Water bottle

• Girdle

• Knee pads

AYFC will provide all other equipment, including:

• Helmet

• Shoulder pads

• Practice uniform

• Game uniforms (home and away)

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

• 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.

info@arlingtonyouthfootball.org