🏈 General Program Info 

What age groups are eligible to participate in your youth football program?
We offer tackle football for kids ages 5-13, as of April 30 (K-8th grade). The teams are divided into age-based divisions to ensure fair and safe play. Note, there is an exception for 14 year olds, in 8th grade, who are eligible to play. Both boys and girls can play CVMFA Football.

When does the season start and end?
Our season begins on Monday, July 28 with practices and wraps up by early November, depending on playoffs.

What days and times are practices held?
The first three weeks, practices are Monday through Friday,  6:00–8:00 PM. Once school begins practices run Tuesday through Thursday, 6:00–8:00 PM. Note: Smurf practices from 6:00-7:30 PM. 

Where are practices and games located?
Practices take place at Stony Ridge Park, 50 Bernheisel Bridge Rd, Carlisle, PA 17015. Games are hosted at fields throughout the region, with home games at Mountain View Middle School, 30 Bali Hai Rd, Mechanicsburg, PA 17050.

Are games on Saturdays or Sundays?
Games are scheduled on both Saturdays and Sundays, typically one per weekend. JV Games are usually played on Saturday mornings. Game schedules will be released as soon as they are finalized, which is usually around the end of July.

Is tackle football safe for young kids?
Safety is the number one priority for the CVMFA. Our coaches follow certified training from USA Football, and we enforce strict safety protocols on equipment and contact. 

What safety measures are in place?
We provide certified helmets and pads, and all coaches (and board members) are trained in concussion protocols, hydration awareness, and emergency response (USA Football). An onsite medic w/AED is at all games and practices. Coaches are required to pass training in safe football drills, tackling instruction and other ways to practice as safely as possible.

We recertify our helmets each year after use, by sending them back to the manufacturer for conditioning and testing. We check all equipment before it is handed out each year.   

What league do we play in? How does that work?
The Cumberland Valley Midget Football Association (CVMFA) currently plays football within the CFA Youth Football Association. The CFA has been providing organization and structure for Central PA youth football since 1973. All teams playing in the CFA play under their rules and bylaws posted here.  

How do I stay up-to-date on news, practice info, etc.?
All information about our organization and available programs can be found at https://cvmfa.org. You can also follow our Facebook Page for info on practice scheduling and general news. Your team will also utilize a communication app (to be determined for this season) for team-related messages and contacting your child’s coach.  

💻 Registration & Costs

How do I register my child?
Register online on our website, at CVMFA.org. 

What’s the cost to participate?
Registration is $200 and includes helmet, pads, game uniform, and league fees. 

Are there sibling discounts or financial aid?
Yes — we offer multi-child discounts of $50 per additional child and limited financial assistance in the form of multiple split payments. 

Are there ways to play free football?
Yes — For every 10 CVMFA Raffle tickets you sell you earn a free registration. You can also earn a free registration for volunteering 8 hours at the CVMFA Raffle. Note. This is separate from the volunteering required during the CVMFA season. 

What is the refund policy?
Refunds are available before the start of practice. After that, partial refunds may be issued depending on gear distribution, but once gear is worn it must be reconditioned and re-certified, which incurs a cost to the organization.

🏈 Equipment & Uniforms

What equipment is provided?
We supply helmet, shoulder pads, game jersey, and pants. Families provide cleats, mouthguards, and base layers. Note: The CVMFA will not be responsible for installation of additional gear such as visors or additional padding or protection. They are allowed but must be installed by the family.

May I wear a Guardian caps or similar protection over my team-issued helmet?
Yes- Guardian Caps or similar protection devices are allowed but must be installed by the family. The CVMFA cannot install or fix their usages during games or practice. Matching team-colors is not required but would be appreciated (Red!). 

When is equipment handed out?
Equipment is distributed in early and late July. Dates will be shared after registration.

Do we return the equipment?
Yes — all organization-owned gear must be returned at the end of the season.

What should my child wear to practice?
Before pads: t-shirt, shorts, cleats, and a mouthpiece. Once in pads: full gear. Coaches will guide gear days.

🧢 Team Structure & Play Time

How are teams formed?
Teams are formed by age division, with safety and balance in mind. Some divisions may also consider weight. (Ages as of April 30.) 

Smurf: 5–7 years, weight unlimited (max weight limit 85 lbs. to Carry the ball)
PeeWee: 7–9 years, weight unlimited (max 110 lbs. to Carry the ball)
Pony: 10–11 years, weight unlimited (max 135 lbs. to Carry the ball)
Midget: 12–13 years, weight unlimited (max 165 lbs. to Carry the ball)

And within each level?
Due to the size of our organization and number of players at each division we will have multiple teams. There is a National Team which is the highest level of play in the league. There is a Liberty Team, which is our 2nd team more suited for our less experienced and sometimes smaller players. We also have a JV team where developmental football is played.

National = Varsity/Intense
Liberty = Varsity B / Semi-Intense
JV = Developmental Players

Are teams treated the same at each level?
All teams at all levels are treated with the utmost care and respect for the child’s development both physically and on the football field. Coaches do their best to evaluate skill as well as size. We will not make decisions that put a child into an unsafe situation, no matter their skill level. 

Anything else?
The National level is the highest level of play and there are additional expectations on that team, especially at the Pony and Midget level. It is a per team and coach decision but there are additional asks of time such as film study, and walk-throughs, often Saturday mornings before the game. These are to ensure extra prep time, for performance and safety.

Central PA football is no joke at the National level and we are doing our best to prep and win games. 

Why do you enter your B team or second Varsity team in the Liberty division?
As a football organization we choose to maximize the game-time reps for as many of our children as possible alongside providing a set schedule for families. We believe one of the best ways to do that is playing official varsity games, with refs, a clock, and score. Because our Liberty teams are our “2nd squad” and playing against other (smaller school’s) 1st teams and varsity rosters, we have lost more games than we’ve won. We believe there is more value and development in giving kids a set varsity schedule in a game-situation than it is to have 40-50 kids at a level playing JV games. Last year (2024) we had more Liberty wins at all levels than ever before.

Will my child get playing time?
We strive to ensure every child plays, though time may vary by position, effort, and attendance. The National level, specifically, is focused on trying to win games, though we still do try to get everyone playing time (not equal time).

Liberty and JV are more focused on playing time though it still may not be equal. Playing time is earned in practice with focus and effort. Football is not a sport that can be played by someone unprepared. 

Are there tryouts or evaluations?
We hold early-season evaluations, not tryouts. These help us build balanced, competitive teams. Teams will start to be split after the first week or two of practice. It is possible for children to move between levels (National, Liberty, JV) once the teams are split based on performance, size, and other factors. 

Can my child play with a friend or sibling?
We will do our best to honor team level requests (siblings both in Liberty or National), but they are not guaranteed.

I’m going on vacation and will miss practice. Will that be held against my child?
Your child will not be punished for going on vacation or missing practice. That said, one of the most important abilities a child can have is “Avail-Ability” (dad-joke, apologies). We understand families have vacation and other plans, especially early in the practice schedule but we cannot evaluate and develop a child who is not at practice. In general, if we haven’t seen your child play, or have had limited opportunities to see them play due to missed practice, they will need to work their way back to an upper level. This is a reality of their team-specific football knowledge and safety if they miss practice. 

🙋 Volunteering & Involvement

Are families required to volunteer?
Yes — families are required to help out (concessions, events, field prep) for 6 hours per season. A buyout option is available. 

How can I get involved?
We welcome parent support! Help with coaching, events, or board roles — just contact us at [email protected].

How do I become a Sponsor?
We love sponsorship support! Contact us at [email protected]! 

🎟️ Fundraising

Will I be asked to raise money for the organization?
Yes — The Cumberland Valley Midget Football Association (CVMFA) is a non-profit, volunteer organization and thus does ask the parents to help raise money where registration, concessions, and other revenue does not meet our needs. With over 250 kids playing each year, the cost to run the organization is very high.

Fortunately, we have one amazing beginning-of-the-year fundraiser, the CVMFA Sportsmen’s Raffle, which is our main fundraising effort. Additional opportunities to fundraise do exist throughout the year as well. 

I heard there is a Raffle. How does that work?
Yes. It is on Saturday, August 2, and it’s the best party in town! In fact, this will be our 10th anniversary and it’s bigger and better than ever. Help. Come participate. Have fun. It’s the best!

And if you help for 8 hours at the event, you get a free registration. For every 10 tickets you sell, you get a free registration. And frankly, it’s an EASY SELL. Ask anyone who has attended, it’s the best day, the best party,  and the best deal in town. And that’s even if you don’t win a thing.

RAFFLE WEBSITE!  |  Raffle Facebook Page 

☀️ Other Important Topics

What happens if it rains or storms?
We practice in light rain but cancel for lightning, storms, or unsafe heat. Updates are shared by email, team communication app, and social media.

What happens if my child misses a practice or game?
It is essential that your child’s Head Coach be notified in advance if your child is going to miss practice or a game. Your child’s coach will provide detailed instructions on communications. 

Can my child play other sports during the season?
You make decisions for what else your child does, but it is really hard to play tackle football and another sport at the same time. Missing football practices, activities, or games could impact your child’s playing time and development. 

Is there a code of conduct?
Yes — all players, coaches, and families must follow our respect and sportsmanship policy.

Who do I contact with questions?
Email us at [email protected] — we’re happy to help!