Programs

OLMSTED FALLS
BULLDOG YOUTH FOOTBALL
3rd and 4th Grade ROOKIE TACKLE (7v7) Football League

Bulldog Youth Football ROOKIE TACKLE League will provide a great opportunity for students in Olmsted Falls to learn and play the game of tackle football right here in our community.

Rookie Tackle is a bridge game between flag football and 11 player tackle football. ROOKIE TACKLE is designed to introduce young athletes to tackle football. In alignment with the U.S. Olympic Committee’s American Development Model (ADM), USA Football is offering this version of football in its progression. Rookie Tackle is played on a smaller field and is a 7v7 contest.

Rookie Tackle offers a clear focus on skill development and fun. Players will learn to play different positions. We will keep our roster sizes down to ensure a great player coach relationship and increased playing time. The game itself will be played on a smaller field scaled for youth athletes of this age and skill level. The game will also have additional safety measures in that there will be no special teams and no three point stances.

The 6th grade tackle program will operate within the Little Southwest Conference (LSWC). Other communities involved in the Conference include:
North Olmsted, Avon, Avon Lake, Bay Village, Rocky River, Westlake, Lakewood and North Ridgeville. These cities combine to have 20+ teams competing in the conference. Practices will begin in early August 2025 and teams will have a 7-8 game season.

Bulldog teams will be made up of a combination of 3rd and 4th grade mixed together. Roster levels will be kept at a minimum to ensure maximum coach/player ratios and ensure optimal instruction and playing time.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Who is eligible to play in the TACKLE league?
Any student residing in the Olmsted Falls School district that will be enrolled in 3rd or 4th grade for the 2025-2026 school year will be eligible to play, provided they do not turn 11 before 9/1/2025.

When will practices begin?
August 1st, 2025.

Where will practices take place?
Olmsted Falls Middle School.

Where and when will games be played?
All games will be played on Saturdays. Several different cities each week will be a 'host' city. Four or five games will be played at the host cities facilities every week with various start times. Games are usually scheduled between 10am and 4pm. Evening games at varsity fields under the lights have also been scheduled in the past. Most games will be played at other locations- however, OF generally hosts 1-2 games per season at Vitamix Field (OF High School).

How many kids will be on a team?
We are going to do our best to keep the team numbers between 11-15 players per team so we get a great player to coach ratio.

How will the coaches be chosen?
All coaching candidates will be interviewed by Justin Funk ofbyfootball@gmail.com (President of Bulldog Youth Football). The top coaches will be chosen as Head Coaches and all others will be assigned as assistant coaches. All coaches must pass a background check and be certified by USA Football.

How will the teams be created?
All the players registered will practice together and be evaluated by the entire coaching staff for the first 1.5 weeks of practice. The Head Coaches will then hold a ‘draft’ and select the players. The word ‘draft’ is in quotations because the process is more collaborate between the coaches to balance talent amongst the teams as evenly as possible than a traditional draft would be.

How much does this league cost?
The registration fee for this league is $250 until June 15th. After June 15th, registration fees will increase to $275. The last date of registration will be July 31st.
The fee includes insurance costs, referee fees, equipment rental, equipment storage and registration fees. There will be some level of fundraising required by all in order to secure the initial purchase of equipment as necessary. Further information on fundraising will follow.
The fee includes insurance costs, referee fees, equipment rental, equipment storage and registration fees. There will be some level of fundraising required by all in order to secure the initial purchase of equipment as necessary. Further information on fundraising will follow.

How do I register?
Registration is handled through the Olmsted Community Center, online (below), or in person. Physical registration forms can be filled out and mailed in (or in-person) at the Community Center at 8170 Mapleway Drive, Olmsted Falls, OH 44138.

How can I help or get involved?
We are currently accepting applications for volunteers in the following areas: Administrators/Directors, Head Coaches, Assistant Coaches, Fundraising Committee, Team Moms and Concessions.