The Waukegan Chiefs Football program is open to boys and girls from 6 - 14 years of age.

The program is instructional in nature and appropriately competitive. Our teams compete in the Chicagoland Youth Football League (CYFL) formally known as TCYFL (Tri-County Youth Football League), which consists of teams from Antioch, Barrington, Bartlett, Buffalo Grove, Cary, Crystal Lake, Elgin, Grant, Grayslake, Huntley, Lake in the Hills, Lake Villa, Lake Zurich, Libertyville, North Chicago, McHenry, Mundelein, Oak Park, Plainfield, Portage Park, Prairie Ridge, Prospect Heights, Richmond, Round Lake, Vernon Hills, Warren, Wauconda, Waukegan, West. Kenosha Co, Woodstock, and Zion. We are governed by the by-laws set into effect by the TCYFL Board and its members.

PROGRAMS:
     Our program consists of two divisions Saturday which will be called the Pac-10 consists of Bantams, Pee Wee's, Featherweight's, and Heavyweight (if we have the participation a Lightweight) and our Sunday teams will be playing in the Big-10 division which consists of a Bantam, Featherweight, Middleweight, Lightweight, and Heavyweight. We are governed by the rules set into effect by the Board and Members of the CYFL. For more information about the TCYFL (CHICAGO LAND YOUTH FOOTBALL LEAGUE) please go see www.tcyfl.net.

     The Saturday program is just as competitive as the Sunday program, and is designed to help players better build their skills and understanding of the game.

The Sunday program is designed for players that show a good understanding of the game of football along with the corresponding ability level. Both Saturday and Sunday levels are competitive in their nature. The coaches make evaluations and selections on the given level based on player's ability and understanding of the game.

Our first concern is the children and we do not want them playing on a level that will endanger their safety and or others.

Divisions:
     Bantamweights (Ages 7 - 8, 87lb max*): The Bantamweight level is the first opportunity for our young football players to be competitive. This level will still be focused on the basic fundamentals of the game but will now have the opportunity to keep score.

Featherweights (Ages 9 - 10, 97lb max*): At the Featherweight level our focus will remain on fundamentals. The veteran players are finally starting to fully understand the game and are grasping the larger concepts, like setting up plays and blitz schemes.

Middleweights (Ages 11 - 12, 107lb max*): Once our players reach the Middleweight level they are becoming more physically mature as well as recognizing their social surroundings. We continue to work and drill the fundamentals of the game while introducing new offensive and defensive schemes and concepts. It's at this level where you'll begin to see more of a passing game.

Lightweights (Ages 13 - 14, 123lb max*): Our Lightweight football players are generally in Middle School and as such their competitiveness and physical maturity increases accordingly. At this level from a football perspective we are prepping the players for the next stage which will be high school football. The team environment of our program also offers these kids an opportunity to make friends and gain confidence and social competence at a time when social pressures are beginning to mount. Football will offer a safe, supervised, and character building experience for these impressionable young athletes.

Heavyweights (Ages 14, Unlimited Weight*): The Heavyweight level much like the Lightweight level is made up primarily of Middle School students. At the Heavyweight level no player will be turned away due to weight.. There is no max weight however there are specific guidelines surrounding the eligibility of who can be a ball carrier. For more details see the Ages and Weights matrix.

* Exceptions may be made for younger players who are heavier than their peers and for older players who are smaller than the majority of their peers. Please see the complete ages and weights matrix page for details.
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EQUIPMENT:
     All football players will be required to purchase a Protective Cup, Athletic Supporter, and Athletic Shoes. Game Jersey's and team Colored Socks will be issued to all players.

The organization provides rental equipment for all participants. This includes all required: Helmet, Shoulder Pads, Practice and Game Pants, and Pads.

All of these items must be returned in "GOOD CONDITION" at the conclusion of the season. Parents will be CHARGED for all UNRETURNED Equipment and Equipment damaged beyond reasonable wear and tear.