ABOUT TOMCATS
Welcome to the 2023 season of the Tomcat Youth Tackle Football Association. This will be our 10th year of providing outstanding youth football for the Aurora Area. The Tomcat Youth Tackle Football Association is a non-profit organization directed by a Board of Directors and several committees. The program began in 2012 and has grown since its inception. The Tomcats are a member of The Chicagoland Youth Football League (TCYFL Link).
WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
Tackle Football - 1st through 8th grade (who have not passed their 15th birthday as of Sept 1st of the current year)
Cheerleading - 1st through 8th grade (who have not passed their 15th birthday as of Sept 1st of the current )
A copy of the Child's birth certificate is required at registration for new participants.
THE TOMCAT WAY
Our program is designed to teach the basics fundamentals of the game of football in an atmosphere, which teaches both discipline and having fun. Winning and losing is a part of the game, and while we always strive to win, we don't always and so we have to learn the graceful art of bouncing back. Each athlete has only one job, it is the coaches job to teach the athlete where to go, when to go, what to do, before, during and after he goes. The most important job the athlete has is to go with as much effort as his heart can summon from his body.
EQUIPMENT
Football all of the equipment will be provided by the Tomcats (Except shoes, rib protectors and cup/supporters), which includes the following: Game jerseys, game pants, shoulder pads, pad set, game socks, practice pants, mouth guard, and helmet, We only buy and retain safety approved equipment, which remains in top shape. Each year we replace and recondition a large portion of our equipment. Arm pads, hand pads are optional and are supplied by the player.
INSURANCE
The Tomcat Football and Cheerleading program is insured for liability coverage. Medical insurance is not provided and is the responsibility of each parent.
LEVELS OF COMPETITION
Our Program is designed to offer a challenge and experience to meet the needs of the largest number of youths possible. We offer (5) levels of competitions so each athlete is fully challenged; yet playing within the limits of his physical capabilities/ All teams participate in travel leagues.
FOOTBALL PLAYER REQUIREMENTS / WEIGHT CLASSES 2020
For Football Playing requirement including age and weight parameters, Please visit our leagues website www.tcyfl.net.
WHAT ABOUT INJURIES?
For those of you who are concerned about injuries, we want to assure you that because of the careful and effective way we stress physical conditioning we have a significantly lower injury rate than might be expected. We believe our record shows us to be safer program than soccer and most other sports.
COACHES
The Tomcats coaching staff is one of the finest in the area. Each year all of our coaches are required to attend coaching clinics to assure our athletes quality coaching. Several coaches have no children in the program and thus give objectivity to their tasks.
PLAYING FIELDS
The Tomcats home games are played at Roy E. Davis Field at Ellsworth Stadium (click here for a map). Most of the games will be played on Saturdays and Sundays. Transportation to away games is the responsibility of each parent or guardian.
COST OF OPERATING THE PROGRAM
It has been our philosophy to offer only the highest quality in equipment, uniforms, training equipment, coaching personnel, and playing facilities. This year it will cost our program over $550.00 to place a football player on the field. We must raise the difference through our fund raising, concessions, sponsors, clothing, and outside contributions. Only you can make the difference. We encourage your help to hold our costs down by your participation and support.
PARENT PARTICIPATION
Parents are required to work concession assignments during the season. Parents are also needed to support the team by volunteering time during the season as team moms, field set-up and tear-down, and chain gang, etc. Please remember Tomcat Tackle Youth Football is a 100% volunteer organization and without your help and support we could not offer the quality program that we do.
PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT
During the month of August, we practice Monday thru Friday 6:00pm - 8:00pm. Once school begins we practice 3 days a week, with specific day's determined by each coach.