Hills Youth Football and Cheerleading is a privately owned non-profit corporation. Our sports program works with youth of all socioeconomic backgrounds and skill levels across Long Island, New York who demonstrate an interest in football and cheerleading. The organization focuses on training, support, and guidance, therefore providing the resources needed to develop skills including but not limited to physical, social and emotional growth for both individual and team success. The program aims to teach its members grit, competitiveness, responsibility, self-discipline, hard work and sportsmanship as they proceed on their journey from adolescence to young adulthood. The organization offers financial support and stipends for disadvantaged talented youth who would like to participate in the program.

It’s an honor to play or cheer for Hills Youth Football. The program has become synonymous with great players, excellent instruction, and winning traditions.  We don’t just teach football, we are football. Our program includes the highest safety standards, the best coaching, and the best uniforms and equipment. We also face the toughest opponents in the region. We hold our athletes to high standards. Academics come first, teamwork is always a must and we invoke the spirit of the game for our youth football players and cheerleaders. Come join the best!

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. 

We offer a highly competitive tackle football program with an accompanying cheerleading program. Emphasis is on learning, competing at a high level, and enjoying the sport; while instilling the moral standards that our community, parents and players can be proud of. By teaching the kids the importance of sportsmanship, teamwork, discipline, and dedication, we help them become leaders and better teammates. We facilitate the development of strength and character in every child that participates. Hills Youth Football players learn to foster confidence and a sense of self-worth that extends beyond the gridiron and into the school, family and community.

Hills Youth Football provides young athletes with opportunities to compete and win at some of the highest levels of youth football in an environment free from discrimination and politics. Our program consists of some of the best youth and high school coaches in the area and also includes instruction from NFL and NCAA caliber coaches. We prepare these athletes for lifelong contributions to society; to embrace equality, academic achievement and diversity through competition of sport. Hills Youth Football is one of the most competitive and decorated youth football clubs in the region.

Hills Youth Football was founded on being a competitive football organization, not a recreational one. We have a philosophy which has always been to have A, B, and C teams. “A” teams draft the best players during tryouts at the beginning of the season. Parents do not participate in the evaluation or team assignments. We do our best to make everyone happy but Coach or Team requests are not guaranteed. Your child will be placed on a team best suited for them.

Grouping kids in youth football by their mental & physical development and their athletic ability is essential to fielding competitive teams, as well as ensuring their safety. Children progress at different levels. This culture ensures that everyone has fun, feels valued, and it protects the children from getting injured, becoming frustrated, and losing interest. Playing time for everyone is optimized, teams compete in appropriate county divisions, and kids in the B and C divisions are allowed to develop at their own pace and move up at the appropriate time. Over the years we’ve had numerous success stories all attributed to this model.

See our Parent Guidelines
See our Frequently Asked Questions
See our Registration & Information Page

Volunteers
Hills Youth Football is supported by the efforts of volunteers who commit an extraordinary amount of time and hard work, ensuring that our league is a positive influence on the lives of the children. We strive to provide a service to our community by providing a healthy outlet for children, opportunities for the community to gather together, and endless hours of entertainment.

Go here for Cheerleading information and registration.