Above: Looking at the registration options for youth football (and cheer). (images from Rec flyer and NSYFCA website)
Southborough Recreation announced a new youth football program they will be launching this fall. They’ll be partnering with the NFL youth league to offer Flag Football. Details are still murky, but it looks like this will overlap the existing youth football program for our town.
So I took a look at the two options. I’m sharing and comparing details, plus the fact that the Northborough/Southborough Youth Football and Cheer Association’s registration is still open for programs that start about a month from now.
NFL Flag Football through Southborough Recreation
Recreation’s announcement on Facebook promoted:
NFL Flag Football is coming to Southborough this Fall!
We’re excited to launch this fun, low-commitment co-ed program for kids of all skill levels! Games will be held Sunday afternoons from mid-September through mid-November, making it the perfect way to stay active this fall.
Registration opens mid-August – stay tuned!
The flyer further details:
Join us Sunday afternoons starting September 14th until November 14th! Program will include a combine, regular season, playoffs, and most importantly an NFL Reversible jersey! This will be a fun, low-commitment way to enjoy the game. All abilities are welcome and it is CO-Ed! Registration will open in mid-August and we will need parent volunteers to help coach! Stay tuned for more details coming soon.
At this point, the age/grade opportunities aren’t yet posted. But I was surprised by the scheduling overlap with NSYFCA, since I thought that already offered Flag Football through its “Flex” program. Taking a closer look, I discovered the difference is that while players wear flags in the NSYFCA Flex Football program that sport is “limited-contact” with “Wrap-and-release tackling”. The NFL’s Flag League website describes their programs as “no contact”.
For those who are interested in the Flex or Tackle Football programs, or NSYFCA’s Cheerleading program, here are those details.
Northborough/Southborough Youth Football and Cheer Association Programs
Registration is still open for the upcoming season of NSYFCA programs that begin in late July or early August. The final registration dates are listed as this Monday, June 30th. (That said, at this late date, some age groups/teams may already be full with waitlists.)
I’m sharing overview highlights of each of their programs below. But there are a lot of additional, important details on the website. Before signing kids up, I recommend taking a look at their “About”, “Season Details”, and “Parents Commitment” pages for each program to make sure it’s a good fit for your family.
Flex Football
Open to boys and girls in grades K-3
Flex Football is an exciting, limited-contact format designed for young athletes in grade K-3 to develop fundamental football skills in a safe, structured, and competitive environment. This program is ideal for players who want more than flag football but aren’t quite ready for full-contact tackle football.
With an emphasis on skill development, teamwork, and game strategy, Flex Football helps prepare athletes for future tackle play while keeping safety a top priority.
- Wrap-and-release tackling, no full-speed collisions
- 9-on-9 format with linemen, skill positions, and blocking
- Players wear a soft-shell helmet and soft-shell shoulder pads, provided by the league
Practices begin in August, 2-3 evenings per week. In September through November, that is reduced to 1-2 weeknights. Games are played (typically) on Sundays.
Registration fee of $220.
Learn more here.
Tackle Football
Open to grades 4-8
Our tackle organization focuses on developing young athletes in a safe, supportive, and structured environment while teaching the fundamentals of the game. We are committed to making football a positive experience for every player, focusing on building self-esteem and a sense of community and family in our organization. Your child will learn teamwork, discipline, selflessness, perseverance, and accountability which will help them become more well-rounded individuals on and off the field.
Practices begin in late July until the first week of school, 4 evenings per week. Once school begins, that is reduced to 2 weeknights through the end of the season (usually by the end of October). Some coaches may also schedule “Saturday morning “walk-throughs”. Games are typically played on Sundays (occasionally on Saturdays).
Registration fee of $300 (plus $50 for custom jersey). Learn more here.
Cheer Program
Open to grades K-8
NSYFCA cheer is a town-based program focused on promoting the wholesome introduction and development of youth cheerleading. Our teams are age based welcoming beginner through advance skill sets.
All teams 8U-14U are National track competitors. Rules and regulations are established to ensure participants play in an atmosphere of safety, having a competitive balance between teams.
In addition to learning and competitions, each division will cheer on 1-2 youth football teams at their games (typically played on Sunday or Saturday).
Practice begins the week of July 28th, running 4 evenings per week through August. Once school begins, practices are 2-3 times per week.
Registration fee of $300. Learn more here.
