Who is eligible to be a Radnor Young Raider?

All Radnor School District residents and residents of other school districts who do not have a Pop Warner youth football program are eligible to play for the Radnor Young Raiders.

Residents of Lower Merion, Haverford Twp, Marple-Newtown, etc. ARE eligible to play for Radnor since they do not currently have a Pop Warner team in their communities.

Tredyffrin/Eastown and Upper Merion school districts have Pop Warner teams, so their residents are NOT eligible to play for the Radnor Young Raiders. 

How are the teams formed?

Pop Warner has determined several different levels of teams based on players’ ages and weights.  The complete age/weight matrix is available here:  2017 Age/Weight Matrix.  For the teams we plan to field, please refer to our Tackle Football tab under Football.  Generally speaking, all players are placed on the LOWEST possible team by age, for which their weight allows.   Players will be placed according to age and weight by the RYR association. The association does not allow players to 'play up' in higher weight classes. The number of teams we have at each weight classes depends entirely on the ages and weights of those who register to play

Please weigh your child prior to completing the online registration.  We will obtain an official weight at the start of the season, but the registration weight helps us know how many players we expect to have at each level.   The upper weight limit does gradually increase over the course of the season to allow for normal growth (weights are measured prior to each game).

If your child weighs less than 50 lbs., please consider our flag football program!  Open to boys and girls ages 5-9, this is a great way to have fun and learn the game.

What if my son has never played tackle football before?

We welcome all players regardless of experience. All of our coaches have completed the required coaching course and are passionate about teaching the skills and techniques necessary for players to learn the game, how to play it safely and how to be part of a team.

When and where are practices held?

Practices will begin in early August at Radnor High School fields.  We typically practice in the evenings, Monday through Thursday until school begins;  we then move to twice a week once school starts, on days determined by the coaches.

We recognize that many families schedule vacation in August, but we expect players to make as many practices as possible.  If your player will be missing a practice session, please notify the coach as early as you can since practice plans take into account the number of players present.  In addition to physical conditioning, these sessions are essential for practicing safe techniques, adjusting to wearing the equipment, and learning how to play the game as a TEAM.  Based on number of hours practiced and safely demonstrated skills, coaches will be able to determine who is ready to play in the first game. 

Who do we play in the games?

All games are played with other teams within the Bux-Mont league of the Pop Warner organization, which covers Montgomery, Bucks and Delaware County. There are 20 teams in the league, including Conestoga (Tredyffrin/Eastown) and King of Prussia (Upper Merion).

How many games do we play?

The regular season will be 10 games. Typically the first game is in late August and the last game is played the end of October.

Depending on a team's record, they may go on to play in the playoffs in November culminating in the Pop Warner Super Bowl, held in December in Orlando, FL.

When and where are the games?

The Bux-Mont league will determine the game schedule. The games will be played on Saturdays and Sundays, though a Friday or Saturday night game under the lights may be scheduled. 

Home games will be played at Radnor High School or nearby fields.

Are there tryouts and cuts?

No. Players will be evaluated to help guide the coaches place them where each player can have the most success. However, all registered players will be on a team.

Who are the coaches?

The head coaches for 2017 are:

PeeWee - DJ Thornton
Junior PeeWee - Scott Belveal
Mitey Mites - Mike Buono

All coaches are volunteers. Other volunteer coaches who have similar knowledge and playing experience will assist them.  All coaches have passed the appropriate background checks and child clearances required by the league.

How is playing time determined?

Our goal is to maximize playing time for each player. Each player is guaranteed a minimum of 12 plays per game with a minimum of 6 plays per half.

Parents should keep in mind that players who consistently attend practices and put forth their best effort will be more likely to acquire the skills necessary to be successful on the field and may be more likely to start or play more in the games.

Do I have to buy any equipment?

Helmet, shoulder pads, practice jersey, game jersey and game pants are included in the registration fee. All equipment is to be returned at the end of the season.

Each player must purchase their own cleats, mouth guard, padded chin strap, athletic cup, and white practice pants with integrated pads or football girdle.

How much is the registration fee?

For the 2017 season, the cost is $300 for the tackle teams. This fee includes helmet, shoulder pads, practice jersey, game jersey and game pants, use of the fields and other league fees. 

Any family who is unable to afford the registration fee may be able to receive a scholarship. Please contact our treasurer, Ryan Gray at [email protected] to request a scholarship application form.

How do I register?

Go to our registration page on the Blue Sombrero Radnor Young Raiders website and set up an account.

After you have completed your registration, you will receive an email where you will receive links to download materials for finalizing your registration.  The required items needed are:

o 2017Pop Warner Medical Eligibility Form that must be signed by a physician in 2017
o 2017 Pop Warner Participant Contract and Consent Form
o Bux-Mont Emergency Treatment Authorization
o Two copies of participant's final 2016-17 report card
o Current 2x3 or 3x4 photograph
o Copy of birth certificate (except returning 2016 players)

Players will not be able to receive uniforms/equipment or attend practices without completing ALL the forms in the registration process.  No ifs, ands, or buts!!

Your team's coach will also be in touch with further details about practices and the season.

What do I do if I have additional questions?