What is the time commitment to play?
Honestly speaking, football does require more of a commitment than other sports, especially once in the tackle level (C and B Teams). Parents and players can expect practices to start 2-3 weeks prior to the first game, which usually aligns with a mid-August start. All football/cheer teams play every Sunday for 8 weeks starting in early September.
C&B tackle football commitment: In the summer pre-season, tackle teams will practice 4x/wk. To start, all players need 10 hours of practice before being allowed to practice in pads. Once school begins, practices are shortened as players cannot exceed 6 hrs of practice time per week.
Flag football commitment: practices 2-3x/wk leading up to school; usually 2x/wk once school begins.
C&B cheer commitment: practices 3-4x/wk for the entire season. Cheer may practice more in the weeks leading up to the end-of-season Cheer Competition.
Flag cheer commitment: practices 2-3x/wk leading up to school; usually 2x/wk once school begins. Cheer may practice more often in the weeks leading up to the end-of-season Cheer Competition.
Are there tryouts?
No! Neither football nor cheerleading has tryouts. All kids are welcome, and all kids play!
Is there travel every weekend?
No, we'll play approximately half our games home and half away.
Do you have directions to the other fields?
Please visit http://www.flyfcl.com/maps for directions and maps to away games.
What are the team breakdowns?
Team Breakdowns are by grade:
- Flag: Kindergarten - 2nd Grade (Football and Cheer)
- C Team: 3rd and 4th Grade (Football and Cheer)
- B Team: 5th and 6th Grade (Football and Cheer)
Can only boys play football, and girls cheer?
Not at all! Both football and cheerleading are open to all students regardless of gender.
What are the equipment requirements to play?
Cazenovia Youth Football and Cheer provides all necessary equipment in order to participate in football or cheer. We provide: mouthguards, flags, uniforms, practice and game pads, and helmets for the players. Mouthguards are required for all football players, even at the flag level. Cleats are encouraged, but not mandatory.
Cheerleading only requires sneakers and a smile! We'll provide the uniforms and pom poms! Squads may independently decide to require hair bows or other accessories.
Is football safe?
Cazenovia Youth Football and Cheer provides a safe environment to learn the fundamentals of football. Your child will play with other kids in the same grade, and of the same age. By teaching the fundamentals along with proper techniques, we're making youth football safer than ever. All our coaches are certified through USA football. This requirement involves taking several hours of classes that concentrate on the health and safety of players, including levels of contact and the latest, and safest, blocking and tackling methods.