Why should my son or daughter play football?

Young people play football because it is fun, challenging and exciting. Everyone loves being part of a team. Football teaches cooperation and team work, helps develop terrific social skills and teaches respect for others. It helps build self-confidence, a positive self-image and self-worth. It enables a child to improve upon and develop a broad range of motor skills like throwing, catching, running, kicking, balance, agility and coordination. Because a large variety of skills and physical abilities are required on a football team, there is a position for every child to play!

Junior Riverhawks Football emphasizes character in its players and strives to provide the proper environment so your child will have a positive and rewarding experience.

 

What can I expect from my son or daughter’s football team?

All players will be on a team that:

• is coached by a responsible, knowledgeable individual
• actively promotes fair play through philosophy, policy and action
• strictly adheres to Waterloo Region Football's code of conduct policies
• has a physical conditioning program appropriate to the participant's age;
• emphasizes character and reflects commendable values you’d want someone to have
• practices and plays to be competitive and for fun.

 

Do I need to buy equipment?

We provide most of the gear! This is a huge advantage that youth football provides over other sports, making it extremely cost-effective, especially considering kids grow fast. As they grow, we will keep gear fitting perfectly and safe! We loan you a helmet, shoulder pads, practice jersey, practice pants and game pants.

We do not require a deposit to check out gear.  However, we do require that you sign a contract stating that you will take good care of the equipment and will return it at the end of the season.  If we don't get the gear back, we will seek further solutions. 

Keep in mind that football equipment is expensive.  Replacement costs are as follows:

• $150 Helmet
• $125 shoulder pads
• $30 football pants
• $30 ching straps
• $80 - $100 jerseys

 

You’ll need to purchase personal gear including football cleats (they are different than soccer shoes), any additional girdle and pads, league socks, mouth guard, water bottle, and gloves (if necessary). New game jerseys must also be purchased each season and are kept by the player at season end as a valued keepsake! Compared to other sports, youth football is a terrific value with greater time spent by players practicing and exercising, more coaches to help provide individualized attention and expensive equipment… all provided for in the low cost registration. 

 

Our Program

Our competitive football program is led by seasoned volunteer coaches who teach the fundamentals of the game that promotes teamwork and camaraderie amoung players.  Our organization provides athletic opportunities for beginners to experienced players. 

 

Safe & Age Appropriate Playing Standards

To ensure a safe and positive playing environment, each player is placed in a division based on grade of their peers.  Our programs have no cutting of rosters.  

Tackle is open to boys and girls in the 3rd through 8th grade.  Players must be 8 years old by August 1st.  

 

Who Our Program Is Open To

We are dedicated to the development of football skills in our student athletes.  Athletes may still register is they playing for their middle school teams!  Just be sure to communicate with your JRH Coach.  

All students - public or private - living within the Chiawana High School boundary map is invited to join the Junior Riverhawks!

 

Proud Member of the Columbia Basin Youth Football League

CBYF is an organization that coordinates the play between the individual youth football associations in the greater Tri-Cities area. They provide the rules, the schedules and the officials for over 30 teams. For more information, you can find a copy of the CBYF bylaws on the JUNIOR RIVERHAWKS web site at www.JuniorRiverhawks.org.

 

All Coaches Are USA Football Certified

The Junior Riverhawks are highly committed to player safety.  Our coaches are properly trained and certified by USA Football to provide the best development experience in our players while reducing the risk of injuries.  We teach Heads Up Football, the new standard for football leagues that is focued on four key areas: 

• Coach Education
• Safe Tackling
• Concussion Awareness
• Proper Equipment Fitting

This teaching model provides our coaches with the right materials and teaching techniques for different age groups.  

 

Child Safety Is Our Priority

All coaches, assistant coaches and any volunteers in direct contact with players have completed a criminal background check and child abuse clearances.  

 

Commitment

Football is considered one of the most rewarding, yet demanding of all little league sports.  Therefore, it requires a strong commitment to the program.  The success of the program is driven by the level of support delivered by our coaches, players, parents, volunteers and the community. 

 

Become A Junior Riverhawk!

For questions about the Junior Riverhawks football program or if you can coach during the Fall 2021 season, contact Karen Godino via email at jrriverhawks@gmail.com. 

Don't forget to like our Facebook page to receive up-to-date information about the upcoming season!