Welcome to the 2026 Hillsborough Youth Tackle Football Season. Our teams compete in the NJ Suburban Youth Football League (NJSYFL), whose mission is to provide pre-high school athletes with a positive football experience in a town-based program.

No tryouts are required, and no prior football experience is necessary. Players are assigned to teams primarily based on grade level. The tackle program is open to athletes in 2nd through 8th grade, with each division having a maximum age restriction.

HYS Football is excited to introduce a new preseason development opportunity:

Sessions will include competitive strength and speed activities along with football skills instruction.

Registration Fee: $25

If you later register for the tackle football season, this fee will be deducted from your football registration cost.

Additional details and registration information will be shared soon.

Tackle Player Registration:

• Divisions A–E (Grades 4–8): $300 per player

• Division F (Grades 2–3): $150 per player

Register by June 1 to avoid a $50 late fee.

Work Bond: $250 per family (charged during registration and fully refundable after volunteer requirement is fulfilled, equipment is returned, and full participation in the Calendar Raffle).

IMPORTANT: If registering multiple athletes (football and/or cheer), the system may add multiple work bonds. DO NOT check out with multiple bonds. Once your cart is ready, email [email protected]g so it can be adjusted to a single bond.

Free strength and conditioning sessions provided by Newell Strength:

July 21 – August 6, 2026 (Tuesdays & Thursdays), 6:30 PM – 7:45 PM

Season Begins: Monday, August 10, 2026

August Practices (Pre-Labor Day):

• Monday–Thursday

• 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM

• Up to 10 hours per week (league rule)

***August attendance is critical for player evaluation and position placement.

September Through End of Season:

• Practices reduced to 3 nights per week beginning week of Sept 8th (T-W-Th 6pm to 8pm)

• Approximately 6 hours per week (league rule)

• Games beginning around September 12–13. Most games this year will be on Saturday.

• Season runs through late November

• Playoffs may extend into December depending on advancement

• Tackle levels (4th–8th grade) eligible for playoffs

• Level E (4th grade) eligible to compete for a league championship for first time!

• Level A All-Star Game held after the league Super Bowl

We are excited to offer an additional opportunity for players to build skills and confidence through the Monday Night Football League. Coaches will decide whether Tuesday practice is necessary. Feel free to contact me directly. Email below.

• Available for A, B, C, and D levels

• Teams with fewer than 25 players may combine A/B or C/D levels

• Games vs. neighboring towns or hosted locally

• Designed to support development — not to overextend players

• Participation will NOT count against weekly practice hour limits

Coaching Scrimmage Format:

• Instructional scrimmages full field format. Games will be refereed

• Coaches will be able to guide players

• For C/D levels, coaches may remain on the field during play

• Feedback provided after plays to maximize learning

Timing:

• Monday evenings

• Games begin between 6:00 PM and 6:30 PM

Parent volunteers are encouraged to coach. No prior coaching experience is required.

Requirements include:

• Volunteer registration during player sign-up

• Rutgers SAFETY certification

• USA Football training

• Background check

Coach Trainees (under 18) may also volunteer and earn service credit. Volunteers under 18 years of age - A Coach Trainee must be rostered, and must comply with the same registration procedures as a rostered player. A Coach Trainee can earn credit for volunteering. A form may be required for the coordinator/ coach to approve their volunteer time. The Coach Trainee would then need to turn in this paper to their sports director.

Each tackle player will be issued:

• Helmet with face mask and chin strap

• Shoulder pads

• Practice jersey (white)

• Padded practice/game pants (black)

• Two game jerseys (cardinal & white)

***All equipment is property of the organization and must be returned to qualify for the work bond refund.

Players must supply:

• Football cleats (non-metal)

• Practice and game socks

• Football girdle or padded shirt

• Athletic supporter & protective cup

• Mouthguard (extras recommended)

***Players missing required equipment will not be allowed to participate for safety reasons.

Families are encouraged to schedule vacations during June and July. While some flexibility is allowed for pre-planned absences, August participation is extremely important for evaluations, skill development, and team formation.

For additional information, please contact:

For detailed division rules and league information, please visit the NJSYFL Full Contact Football page.

We look forward to an exciting and successful 2026 season.

Frank Chupinka

Hillsborough Youth Football Program Director