FAQs
When do the practices start and how often are they held?
Football practices officially begin around late July:
- Practice is at Tolland Middle School Monday-Thursday until the start of school then reduces to Tuesday through Thursday.
- Peewee football 6-7:30pm / Micros, Juniors, Seniors football 6-8pm
Cheer practices officially begin late around July:
- Practice is at Tolland Middle School
- Mini cheer starts at 2-3 days per week then reduces to 2 once school starts
- Micro, Juniors, Seniors Cheer starts at 3-4 days then reduces to 3 once school starts
Where and when are games played?
Home games are played on the turf field at Tolland High School. Games are weekly, typically on Sundays but may occur on a Saturday depending on the availability of Away Team fields. Away games are played throughout Eastern CT.
Is TYFC part of the school system or recreation department?
Tolland Youth Football and Cheer is a privately operated, non-profit, all volunteer program. Elections are held each January for the board positions and we welcome all interested parents and guardians to attend our meetings.
What is included with my football registration?
- Gear - to be returned:
- Helmet
- Shoulder Pads
- Practice Jersey and Game Jersey
- Practice Pants x 1 / Game Pants x 2
- Belt, Knee pads, Thigh pads
- Team / Player Photos
- 1 Mouth guard
What is included with my cheer registration?
- Gear - to be returned:
- Uniform top, bottom, boy-shorts, and socks
- Game day bow
- October bow
- Team / Athlete Photos
What equipment will I have to provide for football?
- Integrated Girdle - required
- Athletic Cup - required
- Football Cleats - required
- Over the calf socks - required
- Additional Mouth guard - recommended
- Integrated Shirt - recommended
- Padded Arm Sleeves - optional
- Football Gloves - optional
- Lower Back Plate - optional
What will I have to provide for cheer?
- Sneakers
- Leggings
- Competition bow (to be determined by the coach)
**Samples, sizers, and purchase links will be available at uniform pick-up**
What size footballs are used for the different ages?
- Seniors - Youth Size
- Juniors - Junior Size
- Micros - Peewee Size
- Peewee - Peewee Size
How many volunteer hours are required?
It takes a lot to operate a youth football program and our amazing volunteers make it all happen. From members of our Board, to parents and families on gameday, we provide an experience like no other for our athletes and fans. Each family is required to provide 4 volunteer hours for the first child and 2 volunteer hours for each additional child. Hours are not required for flag families but are appreciated. Volunteer deposits will be held if hours are not completed, however there are numerous opportunities for hours throughout the year. Volunteer opportunities include:
- Board Positions
- Coaches/Asst Coaches
- Concessions
- Field Setup / Teardown / Clean-up
- Down Markers / Chains
- Fundraising / Gameday Raffle
What training is required for coaching staff?
While many members of our coaching staff have a background in football as athletes themselves, this is not a requirement. All of our football coaches are required to take annual football certification programs provided by USA Football. Certification includes courses and exams pertaining to player safety, proper blocking and tackling techniques, as well as practice / gameday planning. All coaching staff who have contact with youth athletes must complete a comprehensive background screening.
How does the flag program differ from tackle football?
Flag is for our youngest athletes aged 4-5 at a lower registration cost. It is a fun program that is focused on development of football skills and is non-competitive. We provide a shirt with the athletes name and number. Cleats are not required. Games are played on a different schedule against local teams. Practice is typically 2 night per week for 1 hour at Tolland Middle School.