SYA tackle football players on the field

SYA Tackle Football

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Season League Info/Program Overview

We’re part of the Fairfax County Youth Football League (FCYFL), joining 20 other youth clubs that field 7,000 participants in America’s most popular game.

When does the season start?

The regular season starts after Labor Day..

When does the season end?

The season ends with the championship games in November.

When do practices start?

Practices begin the first week of August.

How many times per week are practices?

Practices are 5 nights per week before school starts and reduce to 3 nights per week once school begins in September. Games are on Saturdays.

When will practices be?

Practices typically run from 6:00PM to 8:00PM.

When do games start?

Regular season games begin in September.

Where will games be?

Games are held at Centreville High School, Braddock Park, and other locations in Fairfax County.

Are there tryouts? When?

Teams are formed based on evaluations that begin in August, and players are divided into different divisions based on experience and skill.

Will all participants make the team?

Yes, but players are placed on teams according to their abilities, with divisions such as American (most experienced) and National (beginners).

Is there a picture day?

Yes, TBD

What is a season versus a clinic?

The season consists of regular practices and games, while clinics, such as the Skills Camp, are optional opportunities for additional practice and learning.

What are the registration dates for all SYA sports?

SeasonRegistration opens with $15 discountRegular Registration FeeRegistration Late Fee $25Registration Wait ListSeason Registration Closes
FALLMayJuneJulyAugust 1-14August 15
WINTERSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember 1-14December 15
SPRINGDecemberJanuaryFebruaryMarch 1-14March 15
SUMMERMarchAprilMayJune 1-14June 15

Schedule/Calendar

When do I get my child’s schedule?

Approximately two weeks before the start of the season.


Age Limits & Groupings

Tackle football is divided into weight divisions.

Age on October 1 (See exceptions for 15 and 16 year olds)
Weight Class 7 8 9 10 11 12* 13* 14 15** 16***
AB* Unlimited 90 55
80LB UNL/100* 56/100 85 80
90LB UNL/110* 86/110 81/95 90
100LB UNL/120* 96/120 91/105 100
115LB UNL/135* 106/130 101/120 115
130LB UNL/150* 121/140 116/130 130
155LB UNL/175* UNL/165* 131/160 155

AB* – Anklebiter Division
* – Maximum LBS for carrying the ball

Registration is open to all kids living in Fairfax County ages 7-16. You must be 7 years old as of October 1st and no older than 16 as of October 1st. The Fairfax County Youth Football League is a full contact tackle football league.


Fees

Registration Cost: $315.00
Families will receive a $15 multi-child discount.

League Early Bird Regular Registration Late Fee
(One month after registration opens)
Football TACKLE $300 $315 $340
  • Early Bird Discount: $15
  • Late Fee: $25 (applied starting July 1)
  • Fairfax County User Fee: $8.00
  • Out of County Fee: $30.00
  • Summer Skills Camp (optional): $75.00

Scholarship/Financial Aid Info

SYA offers scholarships to all SYA participants of all recreational sports who qualify under the Fairfax County Neighborhood and Community Services program. To learn more about SYA scholarships, click here.


Equipment Requirements

  • Helmet
  • Shoulder Pads
  • Mouthguard
  • Game jerseys
  • Pants with pads
  • Cleats

Are there equipment rentals?

Equipment is issued to players on designated dates before the season begins. Your child must be present to receive their equipment.

Where do I get equipment?

Equipment is provided at Centreville High School and other designated locations during equipment issue days. Your child must be present to receive their equipment.

Are uniforms/jerseys provided?

Game jerseys are provided, but players must follow care instructions. Jerseys are not to be worn during practices.



Contact/Communications

Should you have specific questions regarding tackle football, please refer to the appropriate person below.

Position Name Email
Commissioner Felix Otchere [email protected]

For other questions: [email protected]
Inclement weather line: 703.324.5264


Rules and Policies

Attendance Policy:
Full participation in practices and games is mandatory, and absences should be reported to the coach in advance. Missing practices can negatively impact the entire team.



SYA tackle football players in line

Volunteer Opportunities​

SYA Football encourages parents and high school players to volunteer as referees or team staff. Contact the [email protected] for details on how to get involved.

Become a Volunteer

Sponsors

Community and business sponsors help support field maintenance, equipment upgrades, and overall league operations.

St. Michael's logo
Washington Spirit Team Shield
Kwik goal logo
adidas logo
Dominion Towing logo
Thoman J. Fannon and sons logo
XLR8 sports performance logo
Bankers Life logo
Arman Taghizadeh MD sponsor
Crest Advance Dry Cleaners Logo
Mighty Clean Carpet Care Logo
JKEnterprise Landscape Logo
South Riding Inn Logo
Lorton Stone LLC logo
Global Systems Engineering Logo
OWL Cyber Defense Logo
Washington Nationals logo
INOVA team up uniform logo
Sheetz logo
Pat Herrity logo
Kathy Smith logo
Home works painting logo
Giant grocery logo
G & C tire and auto service logo
Dick's sporting goods logo
Business benefits group logo
alpine ski shop logo
USA lacrosse logo
USA lacrosse potomac logo
northern virginia youth lacrosse league logo
Vets logo
USA football logo
tropical smoothie cafe logo
trinity wiring solutions LLC logo
TD synnex public sector logo
Riddell logo
olson photography logo
LSI logo
glory days grill logo
Snyder Baseball logo
Red Rocks cafe and tequila bar logo
Jersey Mikes subs logo
Jennifer Young Homes logo
foster's grille logo
Dan Kain trophies Inc logo
cheers sports logo
BMW of fairfax logo
design pro remodeling logo
town and country animal hospital logo
deckscapes of virginia LLC logo
dave and buster's logo
right fit realty logo
john marshall bancorp Inc logo
A.J. Dwoskin and associates Inc logo
elizabeth ann healy foundation logo
the dog stop logo
Kumon logo
kona ice logo
ortho Virginia logo
cheron orthodontics logo


Weather Policy

Inclement weather information will be posted by 3:00 PM. If no updates are provided, assume practice is on. Practices may be delayed or canceled if lightning occurs.


Boundaries

There are no boundary requirements for tackle football, however a $50 out-of-county fee does apply to participants who reside outside of Fairfax County.


Parent and Coach Information

The SYA Football program adheres to the Northern Virginia Youth Football League (NVYFL) safety guidelines and Code of Conduct founded on sportsmanship, skill development, and respect.

The FCYFL Rule Book outlines the official rules, while the SYA Coach & Parent Handbook provides additional program policies. The FCYFL Player Participation Rule ensures all players get a fair chance to participate. To support the program’s success, a year-round task list is available. Draft procedures are in place for fair team placement, including Anklebiter, Central, and National drafts.


In Memoriam

Long Live the Legends.

Our commemorative Helen Iverson & Jacob Salter Youth Football Scholarship Fund honors the memories of beloved coach Steve Coleman and cherished players Bo Rupp and Jacob Salter. Funding supports all families in need so that all children can play.


Resources

Player Safety

The NFL and USA Football chose three programs nationwide to pilot a player safety program – we were one of them.

SYA Coach Tom Healy attended a football clinic in Canton, OH, where he brought back the Heads Up Tackling technique, the new standard for limiting helmet-on-anything contact we’ve integrated into our program. We will always be staunch advocates for concussion awareness and will continue to share updates in and on the field.

Player safety is a responsibility we all share. We invite parents to always discuss their concerns and questions with board members and our coaches.


FAQs

When do schedules come out?

Approximately two weeks before the start of the season.

Where are the games/practices held?

Fairfax County issues permits to SYA to use facilities in the Centreville/Clifton area. Typically a team will practice at the same facility each week with varying locations for weekend games.

When do I get notified about my child’s coach/practices/games?

Notification of schedules/locations/times will be sent out 1-2 weeks prior to start of season (as determined by when we receive permits).

How will I be notified?

Mobile app, email, etc.

What scholarship/financial aid information is available?

SYA offers scholarships to all SYA participants of all recreational sports who qualify under the Fairfax County Neighborhood and Community Services program. To learn more about SYA scholarships, click here.

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