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Our youth flag football program is a true community league, we keep it all in one place! Practices and games are held at the same location, so families always know where to be.
Players are grouped by grade and assigned to a team and coach for the entire season, meaning your child builds real relationships with their teammates and coaches from day one to the last game. No travel, no strangers... just your neighbors competing against each other in a fun, local environment.
Every team in our flag league is made up of kids right here in our community, and that's exactly who they'll be playing against all season long. It's competitive, it's fun, and it's 100% DeKalb.
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Our tackle football program is part of the Northern Illinois Football Conference (NIFC), a competitive travel league for athletes ages U through 5th grade. While all practices are held right here at home, game days mean road trips and home matchups against some great programs from across the region.
Throughout the season, your Jr. Barbs will compete against teams including the Belvidere North Thunder, Genoa-Kingston Broncos, Harvard Stingers, Sycamore Jr. Spartans, Marengo Indians, Winnebago Indians, and many more, spanning communities across northern Illinois and into southern Wisconsin.
It's a real competitive football experience and your child will earn every yard and every win against kids from other towns, all while representing DeKalb with pride.
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UNDERSTANDING OUR TACKLE FOOTBALL DIVISIONS |
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Our tackle program is divided into three divisions based on your child's age and weight. Here's a simple breakdown: Flyweight For athletes 8 years old and under. Ball carriers must weigh no more than 85 lbs, with a game-day max of 110 lbs. Players use a Peewee size ball. Lightweight For athletes 9 years old and under. Ball carriers must weigh no more than 110 lbs, with a game-day max of 135 lbs. Players use a Junior size ball. Middleweight For athletes 10 years old and under. Ball carriers must weigh no more than 120 lbs, with a game-day max of 145 lbs. Players use a Junior size ball. Not sure which division your child falls into? Reach out to us at [email protected] and we'll help you figure it out! |
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OUR COACHES ARE USA CERTIFIED |
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Every DYFL tackle football coach has completed the USA Football Youth Coach program on the following topics:
• Health and Safety (Concussions, Heat & Hydration, Sudden Cardiac Arrest)
• Abuse Prevention
• Practical Coaching & Team Management
• Principals of Contact (Shoulder Tackling, Block & Block Defeat, Equipment Fitting) |
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WHERE DO YOU PRACTICE? |
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Practices for both flag and tackle football are held outdoors near the football field/outdoor track at Huntley Middle School (1515 S 4th St, DeKalb, IL 60115). Appropriate shoes are required to practice (football cleats for flag football. A filled water bottle is recommended to participate in practice. Practices are typically canceled in the event of inclement weather. |
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WHAT SHOULD MY CHILD WEAR? |
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Flag football and tackle football athletes should wear football cleats or comfortable athletic shoes. Since the midwest weather can change, we recommend shorts and a t-shirt during the beginning of the season and long pants and a sweatshirt during the end of the season. We will practice weather permitting, so bundle up just in case! |
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"WE PROVIDE YOUR CHILD ALL OF THE PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT THEY NEED" |
Our tackle football program includes rental of premium youth football equipment. Your youth child will be fitted for a helmet, shoulder pads, and leg pads.
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HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? |
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Our programs range from $150-$430. We offer flexible payment programs and scholarships too! To help offset your costs, we offer a fun raffle program where you can sell raffle tickets for $5-$10 each and you keep the money from the tickets you sell. |
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WANT TO COACH? WE NEED YOU! |
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One of the best parts of the DeKalb Jr. Barbs is that it's built by this community and that starts with our coaches. We're always looking for passionate parents and community members to step up and help lead our kids on the field. You don't need a coaching background or football experience, just a willingness to show up, be a positive role model, and invest in the next generation of Barbs. We'll take care of the rest. Coaching is one of the most rewarding things you can do for your kid, their teammates, and this program. There's nothing quite like watching a child grow in confidence over the course of a season and knowing you had a hand in that. If you're interested in coaching or just want to learn more, reach out to us at [email protected] — we'd love to have you. |
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