Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who is eligible to play?

• The AYFA serves middle school youth from the Appleton area that are in grades 6th-8th grade. The 6th and 7th grade programs fall under the AYFA club program and the 8th grade program is a partnership with the Appleton Area School District. 8th grade students must attend one of the AASD middle schools in order to participate
  
  

How do we get on a team?

• When registering, players will choose which high school they plan on attending when they reach 9th grade. This will determine which team they will be placed on during their time in the AYFA. 

• We currently are aligned with Appleton East (Rebels), Appleton West (Tigers), and Appleton North (Chargers). Each program works in conjunction with their respective high school program to prepare players for the transition to High School football

How much does it cost?

• For the 6th and 7th grade programs, the fee schedule for 2022 is as follows:

  • $175  - Registration Fee

  • $  75  - Volunteer Fee (will be refunded once volunteer hours have been fulfilled

  • $250 -  Optional Fundraiser Buyout

• Players are encouraged to participate in the fundraiser vs. choose the buyout.

• For 8th grade players the fee is a $40 co-curricular fee that is paid to AASD.

  • Players are also expected (and needed!) to assist with the fundraiser.  

• Scholarships are available to those in financial need…no player will be turned away for financial reasons. Players receiving a scholarship must participate in the fundraiser.

How do we register?

• Registration is available on the AYFA website at:

www.AppletonYouthFootballAssociation.com

What equipment is needed?

• All football equipment for 6th & 7th grade players is provided through AYFA.
  AASD provides equipment for 8th grade players.

• Players need to provide cleats and a mouth-guard.

What are Guardian Caps?

• Player safety is our number one priority! ALL of our AYFA teams are provided Guardian Caps to wear during all practices.

Where & when are games? Who do we play?

• Games are typically held on Saturdays at the following times:

  • 6th Grade – 10:30 am

  • 7th Grade – 12:00 pm

  • 8th Grade – 1:30 pm

• We play an 8 game schedule, 4 home games and 4 away

  • Season usually begins third Saturday of August through Mid-October.

  • Home games are played at the respective high schools on the turf fields.

  • Transportation may be provided to away games outside of Appleton

    • Players are required to ride bus to away game.

• We play in the Great Lakes Independent Football Leagues (GLIFC)

  • Teams are from NE Wisconsin Area

    • Allouez Buccaneers

    • St. Joes Wildcats (Green Bay)

    • St. Phillips Falcons (Green Bay)

    • Manitowoc Chiefs

    • Oshkosh North Eagles

    • Sheboygan North Raiders & South Redwings

    • Fond du Lac Cardinals

    • Appleton North /East/West

    • Xavier/FVL Saints

    • Hortonville Badgers

What is 7 on 7?

• 7 on 7 is an opportunity for skill position players (QB/RB/WR/TE/DB/TE) to try new positions while learning their respective team’s base offense and defense. Think two hand- touch using the Chargers, Tigers, and Rebels schemes.

• It is open to all AYFA Players and there is no cost to participate

• 6th Grade plays @ Appleton West / 7th Grade @ Appleton North / 8th Grade @ Appleton East

• Dates for 2023 TBD

• Players can wear shorts, t-shirts and cleats

When does practice start?

• We begin practice on Tuesday, August 1st, 2023.

• Practice times are determined by each head coach, but they are typically from 5:30 -7:30 M/T/W/TH during the summer, and then M/T/TH once school begins. Practice times are adjusted as daylight fades in the Fall. 

Additional questions can be sent to [email protected]