Welcome to the Midwest Raiders Youth Football Program

The Area’s Premier Football Experience!

We are excited to kick off another successful and exciting season with our Midwest Raiders family!

Please read all information carefully to ensure your player is ready for a great year.

2025 Registration is Open!

2024 BGYFL 9U Gold Super Bowl Champs

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2024 BGYFL 9U Gold Super Bowl Champs 〰️

Registration Information

Deadline to Register: July 15, 2025

Important: Jerseys ordered after July 4th are not guaranteed to have the player's name printed directly on the jersey.

Instead, a name block will be applied.

What Your Registration Includes:

Game pants

Shoulder pads

Helmet (must be returned at the end of the season)

Additional Items You Need to Purchase:

Home and Away game jerseys (ordered through registration)

2–3 mouthguards

Cleats

Water bottle

Practice socks

Optional Items:

Football gloves

Neck towel

Arm sleeves

Important Information

  • Age Divisions

    Flag Football:

    • 5–7 years old (Kindergarten – 2nd Grade)*

    Tackle Football:

    • 8U: 8 years old (Entering 3rd Grade)

    • 9U: 9 years old (Entering 4th Grade)

    • 10U: 10 years old (Entering 5th Grade)

    • 11U: 11 years old (Entering 6th Grade)

    • JV: 12 years old (Entering 7th Grade)

    • Varsity: 13 years old (Entering 8th Grade)

    Players must be the correct age by August 1st, 2025.

    Special Notes:

    • Flag Players over 70lbs (in 2nd grade) will move to 8U Tackle (per league rules).

    • If your child is going into 2nd grade (under 70lbs) and you would like them evaluated for the 8U Tackle program, please email us at - secretary@bartlettraiders.org

  • You Will Need to Purchase:

    ➔ Personalized Home & Away jerseys (during registration)

    ➔ Rib shirts, girdles, cup and supporter (BGYFL requirement)

    ➔ Mouthguards, cleats, and water bottle

    We Provide (Loaned Equipment):

    ➔ Helmet and chin strap

    ➔ Shoulder pads

    ➔ Game pants

    Jersey Numbers:

    ➔ Number selection is first-come, first-serve based on registration date.

    ➔ Returning players have first priority through the first jersey order deadline in May.

    ➔ Please list your top 3 jersey number choices during registration.

  • We are proud to be a non-profit program that ensures every child can play, regardless of financial situation.

    If you need financial assistance, or would like to donate to help another family, you’ll find the option during registration.

    For further support, email the Midwest Raiders Board of Directors at bartlettraiderstreasurer@gmail.com

  • Football is a team-first sport. Every player must know their responsibilities, which requires consistent attendance.

    Attendance:

    ➔ Critical for safety, learning, and team success

    ➔ On-time to practices is mandatory

    Practice Schedule:

    ➔ 5 nights/week before school starts (July 31st onward)

    ➔ 3 nights/week once school starts

    Commitment Policy:

    ➔ Early August vacations are excused if limited

    ➔ Midwest Raiders supports multi-sport athletes, but commitment to football practices and games must take priority.

  • At the Midwest Raiders Football and Cheer Program, the safety and well-being of our athletes is our highest priority. We understand that parents and guardians need full confidence when choosing a competitive, organized football and cheer program for their child(ren).

    To that end, we are proud to ensure the following:

    • All of our football coaches are background checked and certified through the USA Football Coach Certification program — a comprehensive initiative developed by USA Football to advance player safety.  

    • All Raider Football Coaches and Team Moms follow the guidelines and complete the training provided by the CDC’s HEADS UP Concussion Training Protocol. This program delivers essential information to help coaches and team staff recognize the signs and symptoms of possible concussions and outlines the appropriate steps to take if one occurs.

    • Our Raiders Board of Directors are all CPR certified, ensuring trained personnel are always nearby during practices and games.

    • The Raiders organization invests in the latest football equipment, including Riddell Speedflex helmets—featuring the most up-to-date innovative technology—which are certified and reconditioned annually for optimal safety.

    • All teams are provided with first aid kits, and we invest to ensure that at least one sideline medical care professional is present and fully equipped at all tackle games to allow for immediate attention in the event of any injury or evaluation.

    • We also maintain clear emergency procedures to respond quickly and effectively in any situation.

    Below, you will find links to our Emergency Action Plan (EAP) policy and additional safety resources:

    Link to Raider EAP policy 

    https://www.cdc.gov/heads-up/media/pdfs/youthsports/parents_eng.pdf

    https://www.cdc.gov/heads-up/media/pdfs/youthsports/factsheet_athletes_ages11-13-a.pdf

    https://www.usafootball.com/coach-certification

  • The Midwest Raiders Athletic Association (MRAA) depends on volunteers to operate.

    • Volunteer Commitment: 2 hours per family

    • Volunteer Tasks Include:

    • ➔ Concession stand work

    • ➔ Field set-up and take-down

    • ➔ Field clean-up

    • ➔ Equipment organization and distribution

    • Volunteer Policy:

    • This requirement is mandatory. Families that do not fulfill their commitment will be ineligible for off-season clinics and future registrations.

    • Opt-Out Option:

    • Families can pay a $100 opt-out fee during registration if they prefer not to volunteer.

Football

  • Tackle Football

    Pre-Season:

    Practices Begin: Thursday, July 31st, 2025

    First Week:

    ➔ Gradual ramp-up: No pads ➔ Helmets only ➔ Full pads

    ➔ Practice Monday–Friday

    Regular Season:

    After school starts:

    ➔ Practice 3 days per week (days/times set by your coach)

    ➔ Games typically start late August

    ➔ Season runs through late October

    Scrimmages: Third weekend in August

    Playoffs: Starts after regular season ends

    Championships (Super Bowl Games): First or second weekend in November

    Game Days: Saturdays or Sundays

    Home Fields: Lavelle Field (Hanover Park) and Ruzicka Memorial Park (Bartlett)

  • Flag Football

    What's Included:

    Personalized reversible Home & Away jersey

    Soft Shell football helmet (loaned)

    Padded game pants (loaned)

    You Provide:

    Football cleats

    Athletic supporter

    Mouthguard

    Season Overview:

    Runs August through November

    Home Field: Ruzicka Memorial Park (Bartlett) and Lavelle Field (Hanover Park)

    First Week: Player evaluations (4-5 days)

    After Evaluations: Players are drafted onto teams; coaches set practice schedules.

Midwest Raiders Flag Football Coaching his team
Midwest Raiders Coach cheering on his players

Football Coach Interest Form

If you're interested in Coaching for our upcoming 2025 Football Season (Head or Assistant), please fill out the below form to be kept up to date on Coaches Events, Clinics, Application Due Dates, etc.