Football

🏈 COMBINES & SEASON KICKOFF

Our football season officially begins in July with a two-week Combine Kickoff. This is a crucial period where athletes get back into the football mindset. During these sessions, players work on core skills such as agility, conditioning, and technique. Coaches use this time to assess players and determine the best team placement to support each athlete’s development and success.

📅 GAME SCHEDULE & RULES

We proudly follow TCYFL (The Chicagoland Youth Football League) rules and guidelines, ensuring consistency, safety, and sportsmanship across all teams. Each team plays approximately half of their games at home and the other half at away locations, typically within the region.

• Game Days: Saturdays or Sundays
• Game Times: Between 9:00 AM and 6:00 PM
• Home Field: Lippold Park, Crystal Lake
• Practice Schedule: Determined by each team's head coach

Our program is designed to give young athletes a structured, competitive, and rewarding football experience—on and off the field.

Crystal Lake Raiders Football Program – Key Details

Season Duration:

Late July / Early August through Mid-October or Early November

(End date depends on regular season schedule and potential playoff standings)

Registration Fee: $625

What’s Included in Registration:

• Use of:
• Helmet
• Shoulder Pads
• Game Pants
• Other standard equipment for the season
• Game Jersey (yours to keep at season’s end)
• 10 Raffle Tickets ($10 each) to help offset registration costs—sell to friends and family or keep!

Note: Registration does not include cleats, mouth guards, game socks, practice pants, practice jersey, protective cup, padded shirts (optional), or other personal gear. Integrated pants are available for purchase and can be kept.

Additional Costs & Deposits:

Equipment Deposit – $300

Collected at equipment pick-up (via check). Fully refunded when all equipment is returned at the end of the season.

Volunteer Fee – $150 per family

Collected during registration. This fee is refunded upon completion of volunteer hours.

Team Placement & Flexibility

Our goal is to field teams at all eligible age and weight levels. In cases where that’s not possible, we work closely with families to explore alternative playing opportunities, ensuring all interested athletes have a chance to participate.

Join the Crystal Lake Raiders and give your child a season filled with teamwork, sportsmanship, personal growth—and plenty of fun on the field!

The Chicagoland Youth Football League (TCYFL) is the largest independent youth tackle football league in the United States. With hundreds of teams from 38 member communities in Chicagoland and southeastern Wisconsin, the TCYFL provides a positive and safe environment for 5-14-year-olds. Please visit The Chicagoland Youth Football League (TCYFL) to see weight and age requirements.

As members of USA Football’s League Affiliation program, we are aligned with the national governing body for amateur football in the United States. USA Football serves as the official youth football development partner of the NFL and its 32 teams. Through our partnership, every family receives individual access to USA Football's resources and tools, helping to enhance the overall experience, safety, and development of our athletes.

At Crystal Lake Raiders, the safety and well-being of our athletes is our top priority. We take a proactive approach to protection by using the latest equipment, employing certified coaches, and conducting thorough background checks on all staff.

As proud participants in USA Football’s Heads Up Football initiative, we’re committed to educating coaches, players, and families on concussion awareness and proper tackling techniques.

Together, we can provide a secure, supportive, and exciting football experience—where safety and fun go hand in hand.

Preschool & Elementary | Ages 4–5 | $75

The Lil Raiders program is the perfect introduction for little athletes who aren’t quite ready for 7-on-7 or tackle football but want to start having fun and learning the basics of the game!

This five-week program focuses on building teamwork, confidence, coordination, and athletic fundamentals—all while keeping things light, playful, and full of energy.

Imagine your 4- to 5-year-old running fast, dodging obstacles like a ninja, and high-fiving teammates—all while wearing their complimentary Lil Raiders T-shirt! Along the way, they’ll develop balance, agility, and the all-important spirit of teamwork, setting a strong foundation for future football success.

But Lil Raiders isn’t just about skills and drills—it’s an adventure where young kids become confident little athletes ready to tackle challenges with a smile. By the end of the program, your child will be prepared to step into tackle football, equipped with new skills and friendships that will last a lifetime.

If Lil Raiders had a mascot, it would be a tiny superhero—because that’s exactly how your child will feel after this fun and empowering season!

Program Details

• Who: Kids ages 4–5
• Where: Lippold Park
• When: Practice held once weekly (day and time to be determined)
• Cost: $75

The Crystal Lake Raiders tackle football program is designed to build strong fundamentals while developing each athlete’s knowledge, skills, and overall performance. With multiple levels of play determined by age and weight, our program offers a comprehensive and inclusive experience for players of all abilities.

We strive to field teams at every level each season. When registration numbers require adjustments, we work closely with families to explore all available options—ensuring every interested player has the opportunity to get on the field.