Jackson Youth Football Program

Our K–1 Flag Football League is the perfect introduction to the game for our youngest athletes. At this level, players begin learning the fundamentals of football in a fun, energetic, and low-pressure environment. The focus is on introducing proper technique, developing motor skills, improving coordination, and building confidence, all while making the game exciting and enjoyable. This level is part of Jackson’s in-house program , which helps create friendships, camaraderie, and community

among Jackson families from the very beginning. Most importantly, this league is all about fun, learning, and falling in love with the game .

Program Details:

Practices: 1 day per week

Games: 1 game per week

Scorekeeping: No scores are kept at this level—the emphasis is on development and

enjoyment

Equipment Needed:

Mouthguard ( required )

Cleats ( recommended )

Our 2nd Grade Padded Flag Football League is one of the most exciting and important building blocks in the Jackson Youth Football journey. At this level, athletes begin wearing a helmet and shoulder pads while continuing to play the same style of game as flag football. This creates a safe and controlled environment where players can continue developing football skills while also becoming comfortable with football equipment, routines, and responsibilities. It’s often amazing to watch the growth from the first practice—when many players are learning how to put on their helmet for the first time, to the final game, when they are moving with confidence,

independence, and excitement. Whether your child is continuing from K–1 Flag or joining football for the first time, 2nd Grade Padded Flag is a great entry point . Because it is part of our in-house program , all games are played within the Jackson Youth Football community, allowing athletes to learn, grow, and compete in a familiar and supportive environment. This level is where kids begin to feel like football players, while still having a blast.

Program Details:

Practices: 2 days per week

Games: 1 game per week

Scorekeeping: Scores are kept

Postseason: Small playoff at the end of the season

Schedule: Please see the schedule link for specific dates and times

Equipment Needed:

Mouthguard ( required )

Cleats ( recommended )

Equipment Provided:

Helmet

Shoulder pads

Game shorts

Practice jersey

Game jersey

 Our 3rd Grade Rookie Tackle Football League is the next major step in player development and serves as the final progression before entering full tackle football competition. At this level, athletes continue to build on the skills developed in padded flag while beginning to learn the fundamentals of tackling in a safe, structured, and age-appropriate environment. Rookie Tackle is designed to introduce contact by using a modified version of the game , including a reduced-size field and fewer players, which allows coaches to teach proper technique in a more controlled setting. This is a critical developmental stage. Players learn not only how to tackle, but how to do it the right way, with proper body position, confidence, discipline, and respect for the game. Rookie Tackle is part of our in-house Jackson Youth Football program , with games played within the JYF community. It provides athletes with the perfect balance of growth, competition, and preparation before they move into the Northern Stark Football League tackle levels.

Program Details:

Practices: 2 days per week

Games: 1 game per week

Scorekeeping: Scores are kept

Postseason: Small playoff at the end of the season

Schedule: Please see the schedule link for specific dates and times

Equipment Needed:

Mouthguard ( required )

Cleats ( recommended )

Practice pants ( any color )

Equipment Provided:

Helmet

Shoulder pads

Game pants

Practice jersey

Game jersey

 In Grades 4–7 , Jackson Youth Football athletes enter full tackle football competition as part of the Northern Stark Football League . This is where players take the next step into a more competitive football environment while continuing to build on the fundamentals they have developed through every prior level of the program. At this stage, athletes continue sharpening their football skills, improving their athletic ability, and deepening their understanding of the game. Players are challenged not only to compete, but to become true students of football , learning discipline, responsibility, toughness, teamwork, and leadership. There is nothing quite like the pride of wearing Jackson colors and competing against other area

programs. The camaraderie built among teammates, the excitement of game day, and the opportunity to represent the Jackson community make this an unforgettable experience for our athletes and families. This is where development meets competition, and where young players begin growing into young men.

Program Details:

Practices: 3 days per week

Games: 1 game per week

Scorekeeping: Scores are kept

Postseason: Playoff opportunities based on league format

Schedule: Please see the schedule link for specific dates and times

Equipment Needed:

Mouthguard ( required )

Cleats ( recommended )

Practice pants ( any color )

Equipment Provided:

Helmet

Shoulder pads

Game pants

Practice jersey

Game jersey