Frequently Asked Questions
What do I need?
Football – Integrated football pants, practice jersey, team t-shirt, mouthguard, cleats and football socks. Helmet, shoulder pads and game jersey is provided.
Where is Francis Field and the equipment shed?
Many practices and activities, including the Homecoming bonfire and equipment pick up, occur at Francis Field, 801 E. Francis Road in New Lenox. Our equipment shed is the smaller building directly west of main building when you enter the property.
What can I expect from a practice?
Football - While your coach can offer specifics about your team’s practices, you can assume that practices will happen rain or shine, unless there is lightening nearby. Practices will normally last between 90 minutes and two hours, and will include conditioning, scrimmages and football drills. Please bring plenty of water and dress accordingly for the weather. Bug spray is key in the late summer! Parents are welcome to stay and watch.
- 5 days a week (Monday-Friday) from season start (late July) until school starts (mid-August).
- 4 days a week (Tuesday-Friday) at the start of the school year until the end of the season.
- Depending on team placement, practice times will begin and end between 5:30-8:00 pm.
Who is my coach?
2023 Jr. Warriors Head Coaches
Superlight - Alex Puccillo
Lightweight - Kevin McWilliams
Jr. Varsity - Adam Sommer and Kevin Curtain
Varsity - Chad Barger
2023 Jr. Knights Head Coaches
Superlight - Geoff Youngberg
Lightweights - Kevin Fangerow
Jr. Varsity - Rick Splant
Varsity - Mike Malito
What can I expect on a game day?
A great time!
Games start in the middle of August and run every weekend through early November. They could be held on either Saturday or Sunday. Generally, games start mid-morning with the Super Lightweight teams and progress to the older teams as the day goes on.
There are eight regular season games and up to four additional playoff games. Usually, about four of those are home games, held at LincolnWay Central (Knights) and LincolnWay West (Warriors).
For home games, we have bleacher seating, indoor restrooms and concessions provided by Joey’s Red Hots. Games are played in all weather, unless there is lightening nearby.
The game schedule for the season will be released as soon as it is provided by our league.
I’m sorry, what are these checks I’m writing?
Once you’ve paid your initial registration fee, we don’t have many additional costs. However, we will ask you to write two checks at equipment pick up: A $300 volunteer check and a $300 equipment check.
Equipment checks will be returned to you, uncashed, upon receipt of your helmet and shoulder pads at the end of the season. Volunteer checks will also be returned at that time, provided your family completed the required three volunteer credits throughout the season.
You want me to do what?
Volunteer! NLYFA is an entirely volunteer-run organization, from our coaches to our announcers. That’s why we need you to pitch in throughout the season.
Volunteer jobs range from collecting trash and running gameday raffles, to shooting videos and organizing homecoming events. You will receive a sign-up link at the beginning of the season, and you can visit our YouTube channel for instructional videos of our most common jobs.
What is involved in Homecoming?
We love having a great time with our football families! So, just like the high schools, we host a special Homecoming weekend each year.
Teams from all levels – both football and cheer -- will gather at Francis Field for a bonfire and pizza party. You’ll want to bring your family, folding chairs and bug spray. Then be ready for a good time!
On game day, there will be special festivities, decorations and prizes.
What is the End-of-Season Banquet?
This is our chance to recognize the hard work your kids put in throughout the season! Your team will gather for a meal, slideshow and awards to celebrate the year’s accomplishments.
Where can I find the game schedule?
Once it is released for the season, you’ll be able to click on it right here.