is to develop well-rounded young kids who learn not only the fundamentals of football but also the importance of education in an atmosphere conducive to developing a sound mind, body, and character - and having a good time along the way! Our program stresses learning lessons of self-discipline, teamwork, concentration, friendship, leadership, and good sportsmanship. We will do our very best to ensure that each player is developed to his utmost potential and their talents are used for the team's best advantage. The team comes before any individuals. Safety is our top concern. Many of the exercises, drills, and team rules are there to ensure your child is physically and mentally fit and safe for football. Each child is unique and develops at their own pace. Our goal is to develop the skills needed to execute the game of football. The Woodstock Thunder participates in the TCYFL youth football league (www.TCYFL.net). There are 5 levels of play.

Bantam: (7-8 Year Olds) 7 Year olds- Max weight 100 lbs. Players can play any position on the field. 7 Year olds-Striper weight 100.1 to 110 lbs. Players are limited to line positions. 8 Year olds- Max weight 95 lbs. Players can play any position on the field. 8 Year olds- Striper weight 95.1 to 105 lbs. Players are limited to line positions. 9 year olds- Older Lighter. Max weight is 65 lbs.

·         Featherweights ( 9-10 Year Olds) 9 Year olds- Max weight 110 lbs. Players can play any position on the field 9 Year olds- Striper weight 110.1 to 120 lbs. Players are limited to line positions. 10 Year olds- Max weight 105 lbs. Players can play any position on the field. 10 Year olds Striper weight 105.1 to 115 lbs. Players are limited to line positions. 11 Year olds. Old Lighter. Max weight is 75 lbs

·         Middleweight: (11-12 Year Olds) 11 Year olds- Max weight 120 lbs. Players can play any position on the field. 11 Year olds- Striper weight 120.1 to 130.0 lbs. Players are limited to line positions. 12 Year olds- Max weight 115 lbs. Players can play any position on the field. 12 Year olds- Striper weight 115.1-125.0 lbs Players are limited to line positions. 13 Year olds- Older Lighter. Max weight is 85lbs

·         Lightweights( 12,13,14 Year olds) 12 Year Olds- Max weight 125 lbs. Can play any position. 13 Year Olds- Max weight 120 lbs. Can play any position. 14 Year Olds- Max weight 100 lbs. Can play any position.

·         Varsity (12, 13, 14 Year olds) Max weight is 175 lbs to play any positions at all ages.  175.1 lbs and up are required to play on the line as Stripers  There is no weight limits at this level.

Within each level there are two divisions. Big 10 and PAC 10. The number of divisions we will compete in is based on the number of teams we field in a given year. Big 10 - The Big 10 emphasizes competition at a high level, and includes each member’s community’s best and most capable players at each level, drafted to teams prior to drafts for PAC 10. It is the TCYFL’s intent to provide all Big 10 players, playing time opportunity in each game (except for illness, injury, disciplinary reason, etc) PAC 10- The Pac 10 emphasizes instruction, development and participation. PAC 10 teams are composed of players not participating in the Big 10.The TCYFL sets weight guidelines that need to be followed. Players are weighed before every game. There is a ½ lb increase allowance each week.

The different levels are determined on the TCYFL.  The TCYFL has a Saturday and Sunday league, which are a competitive league with playoffs for each level. For more information of the TCYFL, visit their website at www.tcyfl.net.

$265.00* fee for the first child. (Early registration is $225 on or before April 30th for the 2021 Season) *We also will require an equipment deposit fee in the amount of $250.00. This can be paid by check or credit card. This payment will be held and returned to you when you return your equipment. The date of the equipment handout will be emailed or mailed to you. That is when the deposit is due. The registration fee is the basic fee for playing football and covers the costs of providing equipment, insurance, fields, etc for the players.  PLEASE NOTE:  There will be a $3 transaction fee assessed at payment time.  This is a fee charged by our service provider and not us.  

All teams will start the season near the end of July. The first week of practice is considered the conditioning period. The second week of practice starts the period of full equipment. During these 2 weeks, players will learn and/or refine skills. At the same time, coaches will be evaluating the players to determine the appropriate team for them. Our Pre-season schedule is typically Mon-Fri from 6-8 PM. Once schools start teams practice Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 6-8 PM. All practices will be at Emricson Park in Woodstock

All play is based on the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) rules and principles. Typically, TCYFL teams have half of their games at home and travel for the other half. The end of the season is typically in November or sooner depending on whether or not teams make the playoffs. The schedule will consist of 9 games and the potential of 3 playoff games. Games can be on Saturdays or Sundays and can generally be anytime between 9 AM to 6 PM. Home games are played at Emricson Park in Woodstock.

All players must abide by the WTYFC organization code of conduct as well as by-laws and rules of play of the TCYFL. Uniforms must be kept clean and presentable. Any uniforms or equipment returned in damaged condition due to improper care will require just compensation. All uniforms shall be cleaned before being returned at the end of the season.

Parents are as important to the success of the team as the players. Coaches and parents must work together. Please keep the coaches informed about problems that may be going on with your child. If the child has been sick or taking medication please let the coach know. If your child is hurt please let us know. Sometimes kids may not tell us during practice but they will tell you after practice or a game. Parents and coaches must communicate with mutual respect. Coaches reserve the right to postpone conversations or schedule them at an appropriate time. Heated or disrespectful discussions have no place in our program, especially in front of the players. Every week practices are different. New skills are learned, problem areas are corrected, and new plays are learned. Your child will be at a disadvantage by not making practice on time and regularly. Notify your Coach prior to any absence. If a player fails to show for 1 practice during the week your Coach reserves the right to adjust playing time. If a player fails to show for 2 practices during the week and the Coach is not notified, he will not play in the first half. If a player fails to show for all 3 practices during the week and the Coach is not notified the player will not play in that week’s game.