Overview
The Ridgefield Youth Football Tigers organization offers 2 programs depending on grade for padded football. Tackle for 3rd-8th Grade and Modified Flag for 3rd and 4th Grade. All of our programs are focused on character first, and then, athletic development of Ridgefield's young athletes. Our goal is to teach the fundamental concepts and techniques of football, promote sportsmanship and adhere to a safety first approach.
Ridgefield youth tackle football teams are travel teams in the Fairfield County Football League (FCFL). Ridgefield has a long tradition of winning and competing in the FCFL championship games each year. The FCFL is a development league and its top two (2) focuses are player safety and skill development. Thus the rules are unique to Fairfield County. We do not play by classic Pop Warner or other youth football rules. As an example, there are no kick offs or onside kicks in the FCFL, and returned punts are only allowed at the older grades. The FCFL follows USA Football's 'Heads Up' philosophy which is the 'Gold' standard for commitment to player safety. The FCFL is considered a 'Gold' standard nationally for player safety and skill development.
All of our coaches are certified through USA Football, which requires extensive football fundamental course work and safety training. USA Football's Heads Up Program Was Adopted by FCFL in 2013. For complete details, click here. We also require all coaches to attend continuing education clinics as well as CPR and First Aid certification. Our volunteer coaches bring incredible passion, knowledge and sacrifice to support Ridgefield's youth. Our board maintains strict oversight and quality control to ensure your young athlete has the opportunity to learn, safely compete and take pride in their football development path.
Generally, at each grade level there are three practices per week and one game each weekend. Young athletes are encouraged to play other fall sports, but football games are expected to be prioritized over other sports. Games will be played on either Saturdays or Sundays, and any away games are within a short drive.
We tap into the resources from our local high school football programs when possible and benefit from the community outreach. The vision is to further develop Ridgefield's football pride and teach them that game of football that rewards those who commit to it like no other sport.
BENEFITS OF PLAYING FOOTBALL
Tackle football fields over 1 million high school student-athletes each year. No matter which way you look at it, our love for football runs deep.
While extensive research is being conducted to better understand football safety, it’s still a game that comes with many physical and emotional benefits. Need proof? Here are five great benefits for kids who play football:
1. Health benefits: Football is a fast moving game with a lot of variety. Players run, jump, quickly change direction, and stop and start, which improves cardiovascular health. Practice drills, complex running routes and defensive techniques all encourage speed, strength, and stamina. And these activities also engage motor skills, specifically hand and eye coordination. Plus, a recent study found that playing football has positive effects on bone strength.
2. Teamwork: Youth football teaches kids accountability, leadership, and the impact of positive sportsmanship. Every position has a purpose and to execute a play successfully, each individual needs to fulfill their responsibility, while working together—a skill that’s valuable both on and off the field.
3. Discipline: Learning routes, repetitive drills, and executing proper technique take a high level of discipline—and football players do it time and time again. Each practice is laying the foundation for a strong work ethic that kids will use throughout their lives. And this is one of the biggest benefits of football.
4. Mental toughness: Sports are a great platform to build mental toughness. Whether it’s making a mistake on the field or needing to comeback from a major upset, setbacks are bound to happen. And to move forward, players must learn how to persevere. Football provides a lot of opportunities to improve mental toughness, from remaining calm under pressure to focusing during chaotic situations.
5. Socialization: Football teaches kids how to effectively communicate and work well with others. After all, one player can’t do everything. They rely on each other—what a better way to make long-lasting friendships? Layer this with learning to respect and receive direction from authority (aka coaches) and you have a range of socialization skills.