FAQ

We offer tackle football for kids ages 5–13, as of April 30 (K–8th grade). Teams are divided into age-based divisions for fair and safe play. There is an exception for 14 year olds, in 8th grade, who are eligible. Both boys and girls can play CVMFA Football.

Our season begins on Monday, July 28 with practices and wraps up by early November, depending on playoffs.

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. Smurf practices are 6:00–7:30 PM.

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.

Games are scheduled on both Saturdays and Sundays, typically one per weekend. JV games are usually played Saturday mornings. Schedules are released once finalized, usually around the end of July.

Safety is the number one priority for CVMFA. Our coaches follow certified training from USA Football, and we enforce strict safety protocols on equipment and contact.

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 with AED is at all games and practices. Helmets are recertified each year by the manufacturer, and all equipment is checked before it is handed out.

CVMFA plays within the CFA Youth Football Association, which has provided organization and structure for Central PA youth football since 1973. All teams play under CFA rules and bylaws.

All information about our organization and programs can be found at CVMFA.org. You can also follow our Facebook page for practice scheduling and general news. Your team will also use a communication app for team messages and contacting your child's coach.

Where a player lives dictates which organization they are to participate with for youth football within the leage (CFA). Waivers are possible in some circumstances and are handled on a case-by-case basis. 

Register online on our website at CVMFA.org.

Registration is $200 and includes helmet, pads, game uniform, and league fees.

Yes — we offer multi-child discounts of $50 per additional child and limited financial assistance in the form of split payments.

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. This is separate from the volunteering required during the season.

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.

We supply helmet, shoulder pads, game jersey, and pants. Families provide cleats, mouthguards, and base layers. The CVMFA is not responsible for installing additional gear such as visors or extra padding — these are allowed but must be installed by the family.

Yes — Guardian Caps or similar devices are allowed but must be installed by the family. The CVMFA cannot install or fix them during games or practice. Matching team colors isn't required but is appreciated (Red!).

Equipment is distributed in early and late July. Dates will be shared after registration.

Yes — all organization-owned gear must be returned at the end of the season.

Before pads: t-shirt, shorts, cleats, and a mouthpiece. Once in pads: full gear. Coaches will guide gear days.

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 (max 85 lbs. to carry the ball). PeeWee: 7–9 years (max 110 lbs.). Pony: 10–11 years (max 135 lbs.). Midget: 12–13 years (max 165 lbs.).

Due to our size, each division has multiple teams. The National Team is the highest level of play. The Liberty Team is our 2nd team, suited for less experienced or smaller players. We also have a JV team for developmental football.

All teams at all levels are treated with the utmost care and respect for the child's development, both physically and on the field. Coaches evaluate skill and size, and won't put a child into an unsafe situation regardless of skill level.

The National level is the highest level of play, with additional expectations, especially at Pony and Midget. It's a per-team and coach decision, but there may be additional time asks such as film study and walk-throughs, often Saturday mornings before the game, to ensure extra prep for performance and safety.

We want to maximize game-time reps for as many kids as possible while giving families a set schedule. Our Liberty teams are our "2nd squad" playing against other schools' 1st teams, so we've lost more than we've won — but a set varsity schedule with refs, a clock, and score offers more development than JV games. Last year (2025) we had more Liberty wins at all levels than ever before.

We strive to ensure every child plays, though time may vary by position, effort, and attendance. The National level focuses on winning games while still trying to get everyone some time (not equal time). Liberty and JV focus more on playing time, though it may not be equal. Playing time is earned in practice with focus and effort.

We hold early-season evaluations, not tryouts, to build balanced, competitive teams. Teams begin to split after the first week or two of practice, and children can move between levels (National, Liberty, JV) based on performance, size, and other factors.

We do our best to honor team-level requests (e.g., siblings both in Liberty or National), but they are not guaranteed.

Your child won't be punished for vacation or missed practice. That said, we can't evaluate and develop a child who isn't at practice. If we haven't seen your child play, or have had limited chances due to missed practice, they may need to work their way back to an upper level — a reality of team-specific football knowledge and safety.

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

We welcome parent support! Help with coaching, events, or board roles — reach out through our Contact Us page.

We love sponsorship support! Contact us through the Contact Us page.

Yes — CVMFA is a non-profit, volunteer organization, so we ask parents to help raise money where registration, concessions, and other revenue don't meet our needs. With over 250 kids playing each year, the cost to run the organization is high. Our main fundraiser is the CVMFA Sportsmen's Raffle, with additional opportunities throughout the year.

Yes! The CVMFA Sportsmen's Raffle is our biggest event of the year and the best party in town. Help for 8 hours at the event and you earn a free registration; for every 10 tickets you sell, you also earn a free registration. Check the Home page or our social media for this year's date.

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

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

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.

Yes — all players, coaches, and families must follow our respect and sportsmanship policy.

Email us — we're happy to help! You can reach out any time through our Contact Us page.