*FOR INFORMATION ON OUR FLAG PROGRAM, PLEASE NAVIGATE TO THE 'OUR PROGRAM' - 'FLAG FOOTBALL' SECTION OF OUR WEBSITE*
WHO ARE WE? WHAT DO WE OFFER?
Wappingers Wildcats offers tackle football to children ages 8 to 12 years old who attend Roy C. Ketcham feeder schools in the Wappingers Central School District. Here at WYFC our staff understands that each athlete develops at his or her own pace. We take great pride in teaching, molding and helping athletes develop at a speed comfortable to them in a space that is safe, exciting and family oriented. Athletes will learn how to take a hit and how to tackle properly. They will have speed, strength and agility training. Win some, lose some, our athletes will also learn the importance of teamwork, sportsmanship and respect on and off the field, while growing in their love for the sport of football.
WHAT IS THE COMMITMENT LIKE FOR TACKLE FOOTBALL?
Our tackle season starts on August 3rd and will continue until the weekend of November 1st. We are very considerate in making sure all of our athletes get proper playing time. However, that requires that athletes show up to practice and games on time with their equipment, ready to practice, play and support their team. Athletes are expected to show up with a positive attitude, ready to learn and ready to work. Our athletes and families are all expected to abide by our code of conduct in efforts to provide everyone a safe, positive and fun experience at our field and all of our events.
WHAT DOES PRACTICE REQUIRE?
Practice will begin on Monday, August 3rd. Practices are located at the backfield of Wappingers Junior High School. Each team will have a designated practice area. Days and times can vary for each team (final practice schedule TBA by June). During the month of August tackle athletes will practice four times a week. When school starts in September, the practice schedule will change to three times per week. Athletes will practice for the first two weeks working their way up to helmets, pads and full contact practice. The month of August is a very crucial time to get those hours in, learning plays and positions to prepare them for their first game in September. We understand that August is a time for family vacations, but we ask that you communicate in advance with our coaching staff so they can make adjustments to their practice plan. When September starts attendance is absolutely mandatory. Constant absences will not only affect the athlete individually, but it will also affect their team entirely.
WHAT IS GAMEDAY LIKE?
The first tackle game will take place on Labor Day weekend, Sunday September 6th. Most games are on Sundays, with the possibility of one or two games on a Saturday. All games are mandatory. Athletes are expected to show up at the scheduled meeting time communicated by their coach, on time, with their equipment and ready to play. There will be away games which will require families to travel. Final game schedule TBA by the end of August.
WHAT IS THE COST OF TACKLE FOOTBALL?
The cost for tackle football is $450.00. All registration fees include BRAND NEW 2026 home and away uniforms, practice wear, helmet and shoulder pads. Uniforms are for the athlete to keep. Practice wear, helmets, and shoulder pads must be returned at the end of the season. Parents are responsible for providing cleats, mouthpieces, girdles and water bottles.
2026 IMPORTANT DATES
Football/Cheerleading Clinics: 6/13, 6/20, 7/11 & 7/12
BWW Dinner Event: 7/11
Football & Cheer Sizing: 7/12
Wildcats Family BBQ: TBD
First Day of Practice: 8/3
Pep Rally: 8/28
8U Jamboree: 9/5
Tackle Game Kickoff: 9/6
Picture Day: TBD
Flag Bowl Games: 10/24
Cheerfest: 10/25
TYF Orange Bowl: 10/31
TYF Championship: 11/1
Post-Season Outback Brunch: 11/8
Trophy Celebration Party: 11/27
* Full game schedules will be posted as soon as they are finalized. Please advise that all games are mandatory for all athletes.
* Please advise that all dates and times are subject to change and will always be communicated with you.
If you have any further questions, or have an interest in coaching for one our tackle football teams, please contact us at wappingersyouthfootball@gmail.com
Program email: wappingersyouthfootball@gmail.com
