Full Contact Programs
ATOM (AGES 8 - 10 YEARS) TACKLE FOOTBALL - August-October 2023
REGISTRATION COMING MAY 2023
6 on 6 - Tackle Format - Players born 2015, 2014, 2013
The goal of our Atom program is to provide a safe, positive and educational environment for players to learn the fundamentals of football. The skill of tackling is broken down step by step following safe tackling guidelines so that players learn proper technique. The goal of the Atom program is 100% Developmental. Winning is a bonus, but it is NOT our main priority.
Atoms enjoy skills fun, an introduction to the game and lots of developmental opportunity in both practice and game formats. Games are introduced in late August/early September and are played against other Atom teams in the CDMFA (Capital District Minor Football Association) region. Atoms will practice from 6pm to 8pm Monday, Wednesday and Thursday at FX Grass fields. Games are always held on the weekend on either Saturday or Sunday.
PEEWEE (AGES 10 TO 12 YEARS) TACKLE FOOTBALL - August-November 2023
REGISTRATION COMING MAY 2023
9 on 9 - Tackle Format - Players born 2012, 2011
The Peewee program is designed to introduce players to the strategy, and teamwork involved in 12 on 12 Canadian football. Practice continues to focus on skills, safe tackling, technique and fitness. As the season unfolds, more emphasis is placed on learning the team Playbook (both Offensive Plays and Defensive Plays) and a great deal of vocabulary is introduced. There is a 50/50 focus on player development vs. competitiveness at the Peewee level.
Peewees experience a much faster game with more “thinking” required by players on the field, and practice is designed to provide players with the ability to make these decisions on the field. Special Teams are introduced at the Peewee level. Players at the peewee level can range from barely 5 feet tall and 100lbs to well over 6 feet and 250+ pounds. Coaches will often adjust positions and play time based on such factors to maintain player safety at all times. If there is a concern about your player’s field time, please see the Coaches.
During the regular season, August to October, Peewees will practice from 6pm to 8pm Monday, Wednesday and Thursday at FX Grass fields. Games are always held on the weekend on either Saturday or Sunday. Play-offs can run as late as mid November.
BANTAMS (AGES 13 TO 14, *15 if attending Grade 9 in Fall 2023) TACKLE FOOTBALL - August-November 2023
REGISTRATION COMING MAY 2023
12 on 12 - Tackle Format - Players born 2010, 2009 or 2008* ONLY if attending Grade 9 in the 2023-24 school year.
The goal of our Bantam program is to provide a safe, fun and team environment where our players can further their skills, their game knowledge and their fitness levels while playing in a much more competitive environment. Less time is spent on the fundamentals of the game and much more time is spent on the Playbook, reading the field and special teams. There is a 90% focus on being competitive at this level.
Our Bantam program is the culmination of our Atom and Peewee programs, but NEW players are always welcome! As there is less time spent on the fundamentals at this level, players are encouraged to join the Raiders Spring Training, to participate in other football training events (we can point you in the right direction) and to speak to the Coaches as additional training can be arranged - PLEASE keep in mind that our Coaches are volunteers.
All Bantam players are provided equal training and developmental opportunity at practice. Game time is predicated on skill level, competitor, effort and attitude. The goal of our field staff, and of the Raiders Football Club is player safety at all times. If we believe that there is a chance a player could be injured - they will NOT play. If you are concerned about play time, you are invited to speak to the Coaches.
During the regular season, August to October, Bantams will practice from 6pm to 8pm Monday, Wednesday and Thursday at FX Grass fields. Games are always held on the weekend on either Saturday or Sunday. Play-offs for Bantams begin at the end of October/start of November. Play-offs are played in a single elimination format so you play until you lose. Play-offs can run as late as the 3rd week in November depending on Tiering and performance.
SENIOR FEMALE (AGES 13-19) TACKLE FOOTBALL - March-May 2023
REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED FOR 2023
6 on 6 - Tackle Format - (U16 - Players born 2009, 2008) (U19 - Players born 2007, 2006, 2005? *Teams will be combined if registration numbers are low. Registrants will be notified prior to combining programs.
While female athletes are always welcome to register for our Fall Tackle programs within their age division, once these kids reach the high school level, they are not always comfortable playing co-ed sports and sometimes, it's just not that simple. The goal of our Spring Senior Female Tackle Program is to ensure our female athletes have a safe, fun and team environment where our players can further their skills, their game knowledge and their fitness levels, while playing in a much more competitive place after their Bantam years, who may not be able to play high school football for a number of reasons.
This spring season will start with a few CDMFA league wide combined camps at Foote Field February 12th and 18th, where the girls get to know each other as teammates and opponents, while working in different stations, with different coaches in drills to better assess their ability while learning multiple positions and football fundamentals. These combined camps are the best time to come out and try football, without any previous experience and do not require pre-enrollment or club registration.
