Tackle Program

*To ensure the safety of our players, we recognize that football, like any contact sport, carries a risk of injury. We take proactive measures to minimize these risks, including thorough training, proper equipment, and regular health assessments. Our commitment to player safety is paramount, and we continuously evaluate our practices to create a secure environment for everyone involved.

The River Grove Football program, where we offer dedicated athletes the chance to engage in a highly competitive level of tackle football. Our program is designed to challenge players and foster their skills as they compete against the finest teams in the Chicagoland area.

Join us in striving for excellence on and off the field, as we cultivate teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship. Together, we aim to elevate the game and create lasting memories.

The River Grove Football teams are structured according to age and weight guidelines set forth by our partnership with the AYF (American Youth Football League) & Greater Illinois AYF. This framework ensures a fair and competitive atmosphere for all players, enhancing both safety and skill growth. We are dedicated to maintaining these standards to create a positive for our young athletes.

The River Grove Bears Football coaching staff is dedicated to instilling a strong foundation in fundamental football skills while also introducing advanced offensive and defensive strategies. Our focus on player conditioning ensures that each athlete is prepared to perform at their best. Additionally, we prioritize team building to foster a cohesive and supportive environment, essential for achieving success on and off the field.

Evaluations & Teams Selection

We are excited to host teams for 6U-14U specifically for 1st to 8th graders, with team placement determined by age rather than grade.
Please note that birth certificates are required for new players
The first full month of the season is a time for the coaches to evaluate players for team selection and they typically practice as one large divisional unit rather than individual teams. Teams are based on age level divisions. The age divisions are further broken down into divisions based on talent or basic player skills. (i.e. 10U D1, 10U D2, and 10U D3). Players are assigned(drafted) to the level that will offer them appropriate playing time and the best opportunity to develop.
Our selection process for teams (Division 1, Division 2, and Division 3) will consider each player's position, experience, and evaluation, ensuring a no-cut policy so that all registered athletes are placed on a team.
However, roster spots are limited, and once a level is filled, your child will be placed on a waitlist.

CALENDAR (dates subject to change)

Equipment pick up will begin mid-July ($300 deposit check required)
July 11 – Varsity/14U equipment fittings
July 16- JV/12U equipment fittings
July 17- 11U equipment fittings
July 23- 8U/9U/10U equipment fittings
EQUIPMENT OFFICE HOURS:
TUES JUL 30 8-9PM
TUES AUG 6 8-9PM
TUES AUG 13 8-9PM
TUES AUG 20 8-9PM
TUES AUG 27 8-9PM
Practices for ALL levels begins July 14th
May participate in a Scrimmage in the 3rd weekend of August
Teams will participate in an eight (8) to nine (9) game regular season starting late August through November, with regional playoffs and National Championships at every level for teams that qualify.
End of Season Banquet mid-November (subject to change)

Football Program Structure

INSTRUCTIONAL LEVELS:
U8 TACKLE FOOTBALL (AGES 7-8)

U8 football is a fun, instructional level of teaching basic principles of football with an emphasis on teamwork, blocking, and tackling while having a lot of FUN!! The U8 season starts July 14th and is over at the end of October.

COMPETITIVE LEVELS: Our Competitive levels are broken up into two divisions: Division 2 and Division 3

DIVISION 2 (AGES 9-14)

Our top competitive level of play. The same as at the instructional level, your child will learn the basic fundamentals and principles of football, along with our core values of teamwork and sportsmanship. The Division 2 season starts July 14th and could go through the first part of December (National Championships are held the first part of December in Florida). This is for teams that win the Conference and Regional Championship). Division 2 teams recommendations are submitted to the Athletic Director for review by the coaching staff by the end of the first month of practice.

DIVISION 3 (AGES 8-14)*:

Also broken up into several levels of play to provide the most competitive and safest place for your child to play. Division 3 is still a competitive level of play but does not have national playoffs (Conference and Regional Playoffs still exist). At the Division 3 level your child will once again learn the basic fundamentals and principles of football along with our core values of teamwork and sportsmanship. The Division 3 teams will spend a lot of time in these areas. The Division 3 season starts July 14th and could go through the first part of December (National Championships are held the first part of December in Florida) Division 3 will play an 8 game regular season plus playoffs.

Age and Weight Criteria:

AGE PROTECTED - UNLIMITED WEIGHT

*An age cutoff date of on or before/as of July 31st; of the current season is as follows: ie: 14 years old on July 31, turns 15 years old on August 1, the participant plays as a 14-year-old. Your child will be assigned to a level by AGE, not grade.

Why unlimited classes are superior to weighted classes:

Is it fair to deny or limit participation for larger than normal kids in the name of safety? The answer is “No, there is no existing evidence that unlimited classes are riskier than weighted classes.
With no weight limits it fosters inclusivity by allowing players of all sizes to participate and enjoy the game, leading to better teamwork and fostering a more diverse and equitable sports environment, while also promoting an active lifestyle.
Particularly beneficial for communities that struggle to field enough teams due to restrictive weight categories.
It ensures that all children, not just those who fit into specific weight classes, have the opportunity to learn, play, and develop their skills.
Many communities are too small to draw enough participants to field teams if restrictive weight categories are used.
There is an obesity epidemic in this country and too many kids who are overweight may have to sit out and not get much needed exercise resulting in health problems down the road.
Specific weight categories may force youth to drop weight in order to make the weight category and the result can be very unhealthy and even dangerous resulting in increased liability potential. One popular technique for dropping weight involves limiting the intake of fluids. This can lead to dehydration which is the number one cause of heat illness.
Weight categories that allow younger/heavier players to move up to an older age group can place the younger heavier athlete at increased risk of injury since the primary injury factors are age related based on speed and strength.
Weight categories that allow older/lighter to move down to a younger age group can place the younger age group participants at a greater risk due to the greater age related speed and strength of the older player.
Both American Youth Football and Pop Warner Football, the two largest youth football organizations in the U.S., offer unlimited weight classes. Therefore, setting a standard for acceptability.

SPRING COMBINE

Join us for our Spring Combine Days, where registered Bears players will have the opportunity to enhance their skills on the turf. These sessions will focus on conditioning, exploring various positions, and refining fundamental football techniques. One combine day will be held each month from April to July, with exact dates to be determined. Don't miss this chance to elevate your game prepare for the upcoming season!

Practice Schedule

Practice Locations:

TBD.

Game Schedule

All teams will participate in a eight (8) to nine (9) game regular season consisting of home and away games beginning at the end of August and ending in October with the opportunity to participate in playoffs, conferences, regionals, and national championships games depending on record. Please Note:

Games are played Labor Day weekend
Games could be any time of day Saturday or Sunday.
Based on availability, home field is Triton College, otherwise TBD.
May participate in a Scrimmage on the 3rd weekend of August
1st Games are in the end of August
8-9 Game Regular Season ending 3rd weekend of October
Teams with successful records may participate in playoffs conferences, Regional championships, and National championship that is held in first week of December in Florida. (For teams that win the Conference and Regional Championship)

Attendance Policy

Football and Cheer are team sports which require every player to know their responsibilities and perform as part of a TEAM. If one player is not able to practice his or her responsibilities, the rest of the TEAM pays the price. On-time attendance at all practices is critical for tackle football and cheer for safety considerations and so each player properly develops and has the opportunity to learn their TEAM responsibilities.

River Grove Bears encourages participation in other sports and extra-curricular activities – we also encourage the importance of teamwork, team building and the importance of practice for safety and player development. Please understand that by joining our program, you have made a commitment and to help your player develop as part of the TEAM, commitment to our program and to the TEAM is understood to take precedence over all other commitments.