Tackle Football and Cheer
RHAM Youth Football & Cheer is a nonprofit, volunteer-run community program focused on developing young athletes through football and cheerleading while promoting teamwork, sportsmanship, character, and a positive, safe environment
RHAM Youth Football & Cheer offers fun, competitive, and community-focused fall football and cheerleading programs for athletes ages 5–14. Registration for the Fall 2026 season is now open! Our program serves families throughout Hebron, Andover, Marlborough, Bolton, Columbia, Coventry, and surrounding communities. Teams compete in the Southern New England Youth Football Conference (SNEYFC) and emphasize skill development, teamwork, and sportsmanship. Whether your child is a rookie or a returning athlete, RHAM provides a great environment to learn, compete, and represent the Black & Yellow.
Ages
Tackle Football and Cheer are open to athletes ages 5–14, with teams organized into age-based divisions. Players are placed based on age and grade level in accordance with SNEYFC rules. No prior experience is required.
When
Practices typically begin in late July, with the season wrapping up before the end of November.
Where
Practices are held at Gilead Hill School in Hebron, with home games played at Burnt Hill Park in Hebron. Away games are played at opponent fields throughout eastern Connecticut and nearby communities within our conference. For a full list of participating towns, visit the Southern New England Youth Football Conference (SNEYFC) website.
Uniforms & Equipment
RHAM Youth Football & Cheer provides most major equipment and uniforms needed for participation. Families should expect to purchase a few required items for their athlete. Participants are not required to purchase expensive uniform packages.
2026 RYFC Football and Cheer Head Coaches
2026 Cheer Head Coaches
Director of Cheer Operations -
Courtney Roy
2026 Football Head Coaches
Director of Football Operations -
Matt Gagliardi
Frequently Asked Questions
Where must I live to be able to participate on RHAM Youth Football and Cheerleading?
Our organization serves the Connecticut towns of Hebron, Andover, Marlborough, Bolton, Columbia, Coventry, Amston, and Lebanon, but athletes from other towns in Connecticut may also be eligible to participate based on Southern New England Youth Football Conference (SNEYFC) rules. If you have questions about your athlete’s eligibility, please contact us at registration@rhamyfc.org
Does my child need prior football or cheer experience?
No. Our program welcomes athletes of all experience levels. Coaches focus on teaching fundamentals, teamwork, and sportsmanship, making it a great place for beginners to learn the sport.
What safety measures and coaching standards are in place?
RHAM Youth Football & Cheer prioritizes the safety and well-being of our athletes. All coaches complete background checks and safety training, including USA Football Heads Up Football certification and concussion awareness and prevention training. Our program follows Southern New England Youth Football Conference (SNEYFC) safety rules, including USA Football standards governing contact limits, practice schedules, and player safety. We also maintain strict equipment safety standards, ensuring helmets are regularly serviced and recertified in accordance with NOCSAE guidelines.
What level of family participation is expected?
RHAM Youth Football & Cheer is a nonprofit, volunteer-run organization, and the success of our program depends on the involvement of our families. To help keep the program running smoothly, each family is required to complete 10 hours of volunteer duties during the season, such as assisting with game-day operations, concessions, field setup, or other team support roles.
What level of competition should we expect, and how is playing time handled?
RHAM Youth Football participates in the Southern New England Youth Football Conference (SNEYFC) and emphasizes athlete development, teamwork, and learning the game. Our coaches are focused on teaching fundamentals and helping every athlete improve, and we want players to have opportunities to get on the field and contribute. For our younger divisions, RHAM Youth Football has minimum play rules in place to ensure athletes gain game experience. As athletes get older and the level of competition increases, playing time may vary based on factors such as effort, attendance, safety considerations, and team needs.
Can my child be placed on the same team as their friends?
Team placement is determined primarily by age, grade level, and conference rules to ensure fair and balanced competition.
When are games played?
Games are played on weekends, with most scheduled on Sundays or Saturdays depending on the division and conference schedule.
How much travel is involved during the season?
Home games are played in Hebron, and away games are held at opponent fields throughout eastern Connecticut and nearby conference communities. Travel is generally regional and within a reasonable driving distance.
I still have questions. Who can I reach out to?
If you have additional questions about RHAM Youth Football & Cheer, we’re happy to help. Please reach out to us at registration@rhamyfc.org, and a member of our volunteer team will get back to you as soon as possible.