Heart, Hustle, and pride.

NBK Football is open to athletes entering Kindergarten through 8th Grade for the Fall 2026 school year. Our program welcomes players of all experience levels who are ready to grow their skills, build confidence, and compete with pride. The season registration fee is $500 and must be paid in full by July 21, 2025. Multi-athlete discounts are available for families with more than one child participating in the NBK program. Registration includes an official NBK game jersey, helmet, shoulder pads, and game pants upon request (if providing your own, they must be solid black). The registration fee also supports essential program expenses such as field rentals, referees, EMT services, and overall game-day operations.

Equipment Athletes Must Provide

Families are responsible for supplying:

  • Tethered mouthguard (must attach to helmet)

  • Football cleats

  • Padded football pants

  • Practice jersey

Uniform & Equipment Policy

All NBK-issued gear is to be worn only during league-sanctioned events.

Care Instructions:

  • Wash gently in cold water

  • Air dry only

All uniforms and equipment must be returned at the conclusion of the season. Any lost, unreturned, or damaged items will be the financial responsibility of the parent or guardian.

Season Schedule & Expectations

Practice Schedule

Practices Begin: July 28th

Summer conditioning will run Monday–Friday, 6:00–8:00 PM, focused on:

  • Conditioning and strength development

  • Skill progression

  • Play installation

  • Team chemistry

Once the game schedule begins, teams will typically practice twice per week, with a walkthrough before game day. Final schedules are determined by each team’s Head Coach.

Practice locations will be announced prior to the start of the season.

Game Schedule

The regular season will consist of 8 weeks of games, beginning the weekend of August 30 – September 1.

Games may take place on Saturdays or Sundays.

Teams that qualify may advance to additional playoff matchups based on standings and league structure.

Families will receive schedules as soon as they are finalized, and all updates will be communicated promptly throughout the season.

NBK Code of Conduct

At NBK, character matters as much as competition.

All athletes and families are expected to uphold our standards of respect, discipline, and sportsmanship.

The following will not be tolerated at practices, games, or NBK events:

  • Fighting or intimidation

  • Bullying

  • Use of illegal substances (including vaping or tobacco by minors)

  • Disrespect toward coaches, officials, teammates, or opposing programs

Violations may result in suspension or removal from the program without refund.

Every athlete represents NBK on and off the field. We expect players and families to carry themselves with integrity, pride, and respect at all times.

FAQs

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Does Norton Youth Football & Cheer hold tryouts?

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No. There are no tryouts for football or cheerleading and there are mandatory play requirements, meaning every child is guaranteed to play.  All interested participants may register for an age and grade appropriate squad.  


How safe is Youth Football?

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Statistically, youth Football is safer than organized soccer, with 12% fewer injuries per capita among 5-15 year-olds.  American Youth Football uses a grade/age schematic.  This means that your child will be playing against children that are around their same age and grade level.  The Institute of Sports Medicine and Athletic Trauma in New York completed a youth football injury survey in 71 towns covering over 5,000 players in 1998.  The injury experience of 5,128 boys (8 to 15 years of age, weight 50-150 lbs.) shows an injury rate of roughly 1.33 injuries per team per year with no catastrophic injuries taking place.


What about concussions?

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Concussions are an important topic at all levels of football recently.  Many studies conducted have found that concussions occur more frequently in practice than in games, this is most likely attributed to poor coaching and the selection of drills.  To address the deficiency of coaches, all coaches are now required to complete multiple certification courses which emphasize safety and concussion awareness.  The Norton Youth Football and Cheer program has enrolled in USA Football’s “Heads Up Football” program in order to guarantee the highest degree of safety for all participants.  To learn more, please go to http://www.usafootball.com/headsup



What football team will my child be on?

How do I stay updated on information?

What are the equipment replacement costs?

How are coaches selected?

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Coaches for all football and cheer levels are volunteers with coaching experience who are able to commit to implementing Norton Youth Football and Cheer’s commitment to attributes such as character, academics and leadership with the team they are coaching.  Many of our coaches have played at all levels of the sport including on college and military teams.  Our coaches attend annual training sessions which include youth football and cheer coaching techniques.  Tackle football coaches are certified through USA Football in partnership with the NFL and the CDC to learn “heads up tackling” to ensure that all players are using correct and safe form.  Coaches are nationally accredited through the National Council for Accreditation of Coaching Education (NCACE).  NYFC coaches are selected each year, by the board of directors, based on their previous experience and coaching performance.  Each coach must submit an annual criminal records background application as well as pass multiple certification exams.

In accordance with American Youth Football rules and regulations, team placement will be based on grade and age. 

American Youth Football follows this structure to assure:

  • Children who go to school together and play together both in school and out of school play competitive football together

  • Children stay together as they advance through the grades – i.e. this year’s 5th grade team moves together to play as a 6th grade team next year

  • Children at the same physical and developmental maturity level play together on the same team.


Norton Youth Football and Cheer will provide e-mails and regular posts during the off-season and more frequently starting in late July.  Updates and information will always be posted  on the Norton Youth Football and Cheer website, as well as on our Norton Youth Football and Cheer Facebook and Twitter pages.  In addition any important updates will be sent out via email by the NYFC Secretary or President.   Individual team information will be sent by the head coach of that team via email and mobile applications.


Ensure your athlete is fully equipped with the necessary gear. Below are the current replacement costs:

  • Football Helmet – $550

  • Shoulder Pads – $90

  • Chin Strap – $20

  • Cheer Uniform – $250

  • Youth Jerseys - $67

  • Adult Jerseys - $72

For additional details or to place an order, please contact us.

Bigger hearts. Bigger plays. Bigger fun.