Frequently Asked Questions

About the GYFL

What is the GYFL? 

The Greenwich Youth Football League (GYFL) is a 501(c)(3) organization that has been providing the Greenwich community with enrichment football programs for over 65 years. 

Registration and Eligibility

How old does my child need to be to play?

Fall tackle football is open to 3rd-8th graders 

Fall flag football is open to Pre-K4 through 2nd grade

What are the age divisions for GYFL?

Teams are generally structured as:

Bantams: 3^rd and 4^th grade

Juniors: 4^th and 5^th grade

Seniors: 6^th and 7^th grade

Final team placement is determined by the league based on roster balance and safety considerations.

Can my child play if they have never played tackle football before?

Absolutely! GYFL welcomes players of all experience levels and focuses on skill development, teamwork, and having fun.

I'm having trouble with registration (I get an error message or the page won't load). What should I do?

Chances are you need to clear out the cache in your internet browser. Once the system has completed this, you will most likely need to log back into the website. If you were in the middle of a registration, you should be able to pick up where you left off. If you continue to experience issues during registration, please email GreenwichYouthFootballleague@gmail.com

Fees, Scholarships, and Refunds

What does registration cover?

Flag Football: Players are provided with a game day jersey and flags

Tackle Football: Players are provided with helmets, shoulder pads, practice uniform, and game day pants. These items must be returned to your team at the end of the season. Jersey ordering and distribution are coordinated at the team level. Your coach or team parent will provide instructions after team assignments are announced.

Are scholarships available?

The GYFL is committed to providing youth in Greenwich, Connecticut, with opportunities to learn and play football. We believe financial challenges should never prevent a child from participating..

To ensure accessibility, GYFL offers financial assistance when possible, to families in need.

·     Select the financial aid option at checkout (you will not be charged at registration).

·     Email a brief description of your circumstances to GreenwichYouthFootballLeague@gmail.com.

·     All requests are handled confidentially and reviewed promptly by our scholarship committee.

Acceptable verification includes: 

·     Proof of income of prior tax year (2025) - first two pages of a signed 1040 form

·     Government-issued letter or receipt of public assistance

·     Proof of free or reduced lunch status

Your request will be reviewed and the GYFL will reach out to you shortly with a decision, provided the request is received during the program’s registration period. 

Customized payment plan options are also available.



How can I receive a refund?

To request a cancellation or refund, please email GreenwichYouthFootballleague@gmail.com

Refunds can be given within the first 2 weeks of the season. After that, the league will not issue a refund.

Equipment and Gear 

What will I need to purchase for my player? 

Players are required to wear a mouth guard and rubber bottom cleats. If you are a tackle player, you will receive information from your team on purchasing a jersey. 

Teams and Placement

How do I know what team my child is on?

The GYFL Board and head coaches work together to allocate players to teams. Returning tackle players will remain on the same team as the previous season. Flag players may be allocated to different tackle teams. Teams will reach out to players at the beginning of the season (July or August) to provide them with more information. 

Practices and Locations

Where do teams practice?

BANC Raiders: Western Middle School

Cos Cob Crushers: Bible Street Field

Glenville Mavericks: Western Greenwich Civic Center

North Mianus Bulldogs: North Mianus School

Putnam Generals: Old Greenwich School

When do teams practice? 

TACKLE: Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays

Time: Approximately 5:30-7:30p.m., however times are subject to change slightly based on available daylight as the season goes on.

FLAG: Practice days and times are determined by team coach.

Games and Scheduling

Where and when are games played? 

The season typically runs from August through November including conditioning, regular season games, and playoffs. Games are played on Sundays at Greenwich High School. 

Do all teams play games at the same time? 

Teams will play by age division from youngest to oldest. Flag games will be scheduled first, then Bantam games, followed by Junior and then Senior games. The first set of games usually begin around 9am, but schedules will be finalized closer to the season start and ar subject to change.

Safety and Player Well-Being

What precautions are taken to ensure the safety of all players? 

We take safety seriously. All players must complete three conditioning sessions at the start of the season before practicing in full pads. All equipment provided meets standard safety requirements. Helmets are professionally reconditioned by their manufacturer, Riddell each season. They are cleaned, sanitized, and re-certified in accordance with Riddell Guidelines.

The league has a paramedic at every game to assist in the event of an emergency. Coaches are required to attend coaching clinics to ensure they are instructing players using the latest techniques to ensure player safety. All coaches are CPR certified and all on-field volunteers have completed background checks and abuse awareness training.

Is there a code of conduct for coaches, players, and parents?

Yes, the GYFL expects all players, coaches, and families to demonstrate sportsmanship and respect. Details and full expectations are agreed to during the registration process and can be found in our Code of Conduct.

Getting Involved

How can I get more involved?

Teams are always looking for volunteers. Please contact your team representative for more information. 

Communication and Support

Who should I contact if I have a question?

You should always reach out to your coach or team parent first using the contact information provided by your organization. If you need additional support, please reach out to your organization's President. Questions that require the league’s attention can be directed to GreenwichYouthFootballLeague@gmail.com or the league’s President.

Sponsorships

Are there sponsorship opportunities? 

Individuals and companies can provide sponsor opportunities to the league. Please contact Kaan Aslansan, GYFL President, for additional information.