What is included with the registration cost? What do we need to provide?
Football: Your child's registration costs include the use of SWYFL helmet and shoulder pads. These are certified for safety every 2 years. Your child will receive a uniform comprised of one or more game jersey and pants. Parents/Guardians will need to provide a tethered mouth guard, a practice jersey, practice padded football pants, athletic socks, cleats, and water bottles.
At the start of each season, we attempt to collect/clean and set out donated pants, jerseys, and cleats, which are available to anyone who needs them.
Cheer: Your child will receive a uniform typically comprised of a skirt, top, pom poms, long sleeve shirt, shell (top) and bow. Parents/Guardians will need to provide cheer shoes, which Coaches will provide links for during or after open registration. Cheerleaders participating in stunting, may require different or additional cheer shoes.
What does registration cost?
For the 2024 season, we are requiring USA Football/Cheer Athlete membership. This is required for participation in SW Football or Cheer.
Membership with USA Football gives accident insurance to each athlete, football and cheer. There is also age verification done within USA Footballs website. Athletes also have access to skills and drills (football) and the online community @ USA Football. The membership also allows for Sedro Woolley Youth Football and Cheer to have access to grant opportunities that would otherwise not be available.
The cost for membership for the year is $35 for football and $10 for cheerleaders.
For 2024 season, the cost for registration is $295. A sibling or same household discount of $25 is offered for Parents/Guardians registering more that one (1) household member which applies to both Football and Cheer registration fees.
There are a small number of local scholarship opportunities, please reach out via email to: [email protected] to inquire about local sponsorship opportunities. We do our best to match scholarship options with families that have reached out to us. Our goal is to have every kid that wants to play, out on the field. The sooner that we are aware of a scholarship need, the better the outcome.
We have also been fortunate to work with www.everykidsports.org which will cover $150 towards your athletes’ fees, although this is a first come first served, and can be in high demand. Be sure to check it out!
How long will registration be open?
This fluctuates from year to year depending on the lead time for vendor uniforms but is typically April - June. Closing registration dates are firm as it allows the SWYFL and Coaches to organize teams and get practice schedules and locations set. In the past, on a case-by-case basis we have allowed late registration, but there will be a late fee added to the registration fees to cover the cost of expediting uniforms or gear.
How long is the season?
After registration, our season usually starts practices the last week of July/First week of August. During the summer, practices are typically 5 days a week, in early to mid-evening. Once school starts back up, practice schedules are reduced to 6 hours a week maximum, with game days on Saturday. The regular season runs August through the middle to end of October, with the playoffs season usually running through the first week of November. We have an updated schedule posted to Cub News area of the Website.
When is the first game?
Our game day schedule is provided by our governing league, North Cascade Youth Football League . The Jamboree is a yearly event comprised of 3 - 4 scrimmages per team, with no official scoring that impacts team league standing. It's an opportunity to give players a taste of what the season ahead will look and feel like and is usually scheduled the 3rd weekend of August.
Regular season games generally start in September. Once a schedule is finalized, your coaching staff will be sure to get it to you and your team.
Are there try outs?
No. SWYFL is not a select team. As long as you have registered during the open registration time, and we have Head Coaches, you are placed on a roster.
What can we expect from practices?
Prepare for practice by eating a healthy diet and drinking plenty of water throughout the day, especially in the warmer weather months. Help set your child up for success by having them be responsible for getting their gear ready the night before practice or games. Without the proper gear, they can’t participate in practice which could impact their game day playing time which is challenging to the entire team. In the event of excessive heat, air quality or other weather-related issues, practices or games may be canceled or postponed.
We are required to have 3 days of no contact practices with conditioning, prior to allowing any player to participate in full gear with contact. This is for player safety so fundamentals can be established prior to any contact.
What can we expect for games?
Games are 4, 10-minute quarters. Plan for most games to total around two (2) hours, including warm-ups, time between plays, halftime, and after game huddles. Players usually need to be at the game site 1 hour before games to have enough time to warm up and weigh in. If your player is late, they may be unable to play in the first half of the game due to an increased risk for injury without proper time to warm up.
Can I coach?
Do you have basic knowledge of Football? A desire to lead kids by example? Can you pass a background check? You might be just the volunteer we are looking for! Applications for Head Coaches can be found on our Facebook Page, and our website www.swyfl.org under Volunteer Opportunities.
All coaches must be able to pass a background check for player safety and be Heads Up Tackling and First Aid CPR Certified. The SWYFL Board will cover the cost of these certifications and will elect coaches prior to the season start date in August. Head Coaches are encouraged to choose assistant coaches and other offensive/defensive coordinators as necessary. These are volunteer positions.
Can I help with practices?
All coaches are usually appreciative of assistance during practices, especially with the younger players. Let your coach know you are able and willing, and you can be put to work. Any volunteers must pass a background check for player safety.
Can I request my child be placed on a team with a friend?
Unfortunately no. This would be deemed the action of a select league. One of the great things about SWYFL is that players will be mixed with same-aged players from other elementary and middle schools in the Sedro-Woolley School District. All of these schools feed into the Sedro-Woolley High School, so this helps them develop positive relationships with athletes they will eventually go to High School with. Siblings are the one exception to this rule on a case-by-case basis.
What If I have a concern I want the SWYFL Board to Address?
The safety of our players is our #1 priority. If you have a safety concern, please first see your Head Coach to avoid delays that would put an athlete at risk. Please use the Grievance Policy as needed.
If you need to direct any concerns directly to the Board, please utilize the following form, this allows notification of the Board, as well as follow up if needed.
Concern Form