Tackle Football

Interested in Coaching? We are always seeking additional volunteer coaches. No football background is required. Contact Wellesley Youth Football for additional information about coaching.

EQUIPMENT

The following items are provided by Wellesley Youth Football. If you are considering purchasing any of these items for your child, please speak with WYF Admin to be sure you have all of the required information.

Included Items:

• Helmet (professionally cleaned annually and reconditioned every two years)
• Guardian Cap
• Shoulder pads
• Practice Pants
• Practice Jersey
• Game Pants
• Game Jerseys (Grades 2-6, 2 – home and away ~ Grades 7 and 8, 1- reversible jersey)

Registration costs include all necessary equipment except a mouthguard, cleats, and athletic supporter/cup.

FAQ

When is registration? Open registration begins in the spring and is communicated on our website. Wellesley Youth Football has no tryouts, but teams are capped at 36 players, first-come first-served. 

Where can I register? Please visit our registration page for all registration information and links.

How much does it cost? – $595 for the first child with a $100 discount for each additional child. This includes all equipment (jersey, pants, helmet, Guardian cap, and shoulder pads), excluding cleats and cup. 

When is the season? The season runs from mid-August through October, with the potential for playoffs in November.

Practices begin in mid-August and run four days per week: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday in the evening, generally between 5:30 and 8:30 p.m., until school starts. Once school begins, practice reduces to three days per week with a potential pregame run-through. The coaching staff schedules determine practices and will be communicated to teams directly before the start of the season.  Due to inclement weather and/or progression into the playoffs, additional practices may be scheduled at the coach’s discretion.

The first game will be played on Saturday or Sunday in early September. Games are played every weekend (an occasional BYE is possible) on Saturday or Sunday for 8-10 consecutive weeks (until late October). Games are typically 90 minutes long, and WYF will typically host four home games at Wellesley High School Stadium, 50 Rice Street. Playoffs for those eligible in the season can run until mid-November.

What is included in the registration fee?  The following equipment is included in the registration fee: helmet, Guardian Cap, shoulder pads, practice jersey, integrated game pants, and game jersey.  Registration fees also cover field use and light fees, as well as compensation for the WYF Administrator who coordinates the WYF program throughout the year.

What is the attendance policy? For safety reasons, strict rules govern attendance and qualification for game action.

What is the Parent commitment? 

How are players assigned to a team? Teams are grade-based and age-protected. Players can typically play with their classmates as long as they are not over the age limit for that grade.

Can players from outside Wellesley play for a Wellesley Youth Football team? Yes. However, kids from Wellesley have a priority.  Occasionally, teams will have space on their rosters, and interested players from other towns can request to join WYF and will need to request a waiver from the Baystate Youth Football and Cheer Conference.

Who do Wellesley Youth Football teams play against? WYF competes in the Bay State Youth Football and Cheer Conference, which is affiliated with American Youth Football (AYF). Teams in that conference include Needham, Wellesley, Framingham, Milton, Hingham, Braintree, Quincy, Brockton, Weymouth, Norwood, Newton, and Walpole.

Is there a right age for my child to get involved in tackle football?  Playing football helps kids develop a sense of discipline, teamwork, and responsibility. But when it comes to the best age to start playing, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. Some families are ready to compete right away, while others wait a few years before participating. It really depends on the child and their personal development.

These are signs to look out for that may indicate your child is ready to join an organized football team:

Physical development: Being a member on any sports team takes a certain level of coordination and gross motor skills. Coaches tailor their practice to each age group. For example, children aged 5-to 7-years-old learn the basics, while 8-to 10-year-olds focus on position-specific skills and are more emotionally mature. But in general, your child should have enough coordination to run up and down the field while holding a football.

Understanding teamwork: One of the biggest benefits of organized sports is that children learn what it means to be a teammate. This is especially true in football where there are so many moving parts and every player’s contribution counts. If you feel that your child is ready to understand sportsmanship and teamwork, they will gain a lot from being a part of a football team.

Discipline: Playing on a team requires children to come to practice, learn the rules, listen to coaches, and participate in drills and other activities. They make a commitment to work hard and show up every week. And by doing so, they gain a sense of discipline. Parents should feel comfortable that their children can respond well to a structured team environment.