RAIDERS YOUTH FOOTBALL

What makes Raiders Youth Football different?

• Raiders Football is the ONLY local youth football program that does not allow high school level athletes to participate.
• Raiders Football offers Developmental Football for athletes in the C & D Divisions. We believe that this is a great age to be introduced to the game of football and learn the fundamentals in a fun, age-appropriate environment. For the A & B Divisions, we offer the most comprehensive High School Preparatory program in the Greater Hartford area.
• Raiders Football age structure and birth date cutoff is logical and unique. The age/birthday cutoff for our league is Dec 31st of the playing year. For example, a 9 year old will not play against an older more experienced player that turns 12 in August of the playing year.

Where is football practice held?
 

Practices are held at the Henry James Middle School Football Field in the center of Simsbury. This field provides ample space to house and use our extensive practice equipment that includes, numerous blocking sleds, chutes, ropes and tackling dummies. This equipment and the amount of space available provides our athletes the benefit of advanced instruction and demonstration. Home games are played on this field in addition to select games at the new Simsbury High School field.
 

When do you practice Football?

Summer practices begin August 3rd and continue Monday through Thursday throughout the month of August from 5:30 to 8:00. At the commencement of school, practices are limited to two nights a week from 5:30 to 7:30 and Saturday mornings. Games are held on Sundays.
 

Who do you play against?
 

The Raiders program offers a high quality experience competing against local, geographically friendly towns. Our program is one of the twelve towns included in the Connecticut Youth Football League (CTYFL), the premier youth football league in the state. We play against Bloomfield, Windsor, Glastonbury, Rocky Hill, Vernon, South Windsor and Wethersfield to name just a few. We play an 8 game regular season schedule.
 

Is there a League Championship game?

The League provides a championship game at the A, B and C levels. There is no playoff or championship games at the D level. In the previous three seasons, the Raiders have earned a Divisional Title and have qualified for nine playoff berths. The League does not participate in out-of-state tournaments, so that our families are not asked to contribute additional money, solicit area businesses or sell merchandise to pay for travel expenses.
 

Why did you choose the CTYFL?
 

The CTYFL (former ECFC) is recognized as the premier youth football league in the State of Connecticut. The teams in this league are the same towns that Simsbury High School meets. There is no regular season, playoff or tournaments against teams with different age/weight classes or that require significant travel. The Leagues focus is the betterment of our athlete and their athletic and social development. Players fees are invested directly into our program and is maintained in Connecticut and are not used to fund a national bureaucratic sponsor. Come to our registration and speak with a returning parent to discuss what a rewarding and memorable experience it has been for them and their children.
 

Who would be a good fit for our program?
 

Discipline, drive and determination have been the fundamental work ethic that has built this highly competitive program. Your child's ability to meet this challenge and perform to their developmental potential is an indication that this is the program for them. Our program has the unique ability to teach the basics on the younger levels in a fun, safe and structured environment and offers advanced training for the older, more physically advanced children to prepare them to be competitive in the future, in sport and in life.