HILLS YOUTH FOOTBALL AND CHEERLEADING
An Exceptional Football and Cheerleading Experience!
Hills Youth Football and Cheerleading provides an exceptional tackle football and cheerleading program for children from 5 to 13 years old. The program feeds both West and East high schools and is chaired by Gerald Filardi and Alex Marcelin along with volunteers from the community.
Filardi was one of Penn State’s most decorated linebackers. He played in two national championships under Coach Paterno and later went on to play for the Pittsburgh Steelers. He has coached all levels of football from 5 years old through high school, and is also the founder of Long Island Elite football, the region’s Elite National team.
Marcelin was a two-way football player at Half Hollow Hills West and played defensive end for NAIA Bethany College. After a brief pursuit of professional football opportunities, he turned toward coaching.
The cheerleading program is run by Jennifer Wachter who has over 17 years of experience including a nationally recognized state championship in Pennsylvania.
Hills Football and Cheerleading is a winning program with a rich history and tradition of inspiring players to excel on and off the field. In addition to cultivating competitive football players, we emphasize camaraderie, hard work, school, and family. Our leaders and coaches are some of the most dedicated people in the community who take pride in their role helping to mold players into ambitious and respectful young adults with good values.
Being part of our football program is unlike playing any other sport. Other sports pale in comparison to the close-knit feeling, hard work, and sense of accomplishment football players experience season after season.
There is no shortage of excitement playing for Hills Football and Cheerleading. Kids get top notch equipment, high quality jerseys with their names printed on the back, and good exceptional football instruction. Over the years we have provided many exciting events throughout the season including our Season Kickoff Jamboree, BBQ’s & Tailgates, College Field Trips, Cocktail Party, the Awards Brunch, and more!
SEASON DETAILS
We provide an unrivaled experience for young football players. Below are the details for the upcoming season.
For the best experience we utilize waiting lists and attempt to manage roster size to approximately 16 players to improve playing time.
To ensure your spot on a team register early to avoid being put on a waiting list.
The 2023 season fee for tackle football is $250.00 for new players and $200.00 for returning players.
Register ASAP to lock in a roster spot!
Players will be provided with premium SEC style game uniforms and shoulder pads.
Helmets are not provided by the organization. Players need to purchase a black helmet with a black facemask. Below are links to purchase a helmet. From the budget model to the premium model, ALL of the helmets listed are officially rated and approved for youth football.
These shopping links were provided as a convenience, you are not obligated to purchase from them. You may purchase any brand helmet from any vendor so long as it is black and has a black facemask. You will find an easy to use size chart provided on the website of every vendor whether you choose Riddell, Schutt, Xenith, or another brand.
You will be provided with team decals for the helmet.
Prior to the start of practice, players need to have a shoulder pads, black practice jersey, black practice pants with integrated pads, black socks, a safety cup, a mouthpiece, cleats, and a water bottle. All of these can be purchased at Dick’s, Amazon, or your local sporting goods store.
Games will be played in Nassau, Suffolk, and Metro NY Boroughs.
Practice typically starts in July, although many of our coaches run winter and spring pre-season OTA’s (Organized Team Activities). These are announced on our email list and social media.
We are always in need of volunteers to help the league in various capacities and welcome anyone who would like to join us. On the registration form you will see a volunteer area that will list some areas you can help us with.
Each player is required to participate in our annual vertical fundraiser and required to sell raffles. We will have a number of different fundraisers throughout the season and encourage everyone to participate.
Teams & Age Groups
We have tackle football teams in the following age groups:
- 5/6 year old pee wee teams – playing 8 man football
- 7 year old teams – playing 11 and/or 8 man football
- 8 year old teams – playing 11 and/or 8 man football
- 9 year old teams – playing 11 man football
- 10 year old teams – playing 11 man football
- 11 year old teams – playing 11 man football
- 12 year old teams – playing 11 man football
- 13 year old teams – playing 11 man football
The age you are on July 31 determines what age group you would play in.
The number of teams in each age group and the size of each team depends upon registration numbers and will be determined before the season.
Practices begin around the middle of July. There are normally 2 to 3 practices a week typically at local Dix Hills schools, Veterans Park, Breezy Park, and fields in Northport, Commack, and Elwood. The times and days are determined by league and head coach.
Each team plays approximately 8-10 games depending on age group, playoffs, regionals, and nationals.
Home games are typically at local Dix Hills schools, Veterans Park, and fields in Northport, Commack, and Elwood. Away games are played throughout Suffolk and Nassau County and Metro NY Boroughs. Games normally begin sometime in mid-August or September and are played weekly on Saturday or Sunday mornings/afternoons. Occasionally there might be night games or games that are held on Friday or Saturdays.
Per our membership agreement, there are no refunds, We offer credits toward the following season.