Welcome to New Britain PAL Raider Football! The only two-time National Championship Program in the State of Connecticut. The Raiders are part of the Connecticut Youth Football and Cheer Conference (CTYFC) and American Youth Football (AYF) league and compete with teams in the CT, MA, and RI areas!

The AYF 2025 Fall Season officially begins July 14, 2025. Individual teams, however, will begin off-season training and general clinics as early as late winter/early spring. The AYF season generally consists of a Jamboree-style event the last week of August followed by 8 weeks of “Regular Season” play (generally, but not always Sundays). All teams that finish with a winning record are eligible to move onto the post-season/playoff structure both at the League (State) and Regional (New England) levels (Generally the month of November). Additionally, National travel tournaments (Last week of November/first week of December) are available for those teams that secure official bids and raise necessary funding! Your Head Coach can provide additional details, but it is recommended that you begin participating in fundraising requirements/opportunities immediately!

Each team determines and communicates its practice schedule. All teams must participate in the MANDATORY conditioning period before equipment can be handed out. Team Coaches will provide more specific details to their teams.

Due to the overwhelming numbers and the logistical challenges that have presented themselves in attempting to service all those interested in joining the program, we have updated how we handle registrations. Registrations will now be handled in two phases: Pre-Registration and Final-Registration. Your first step today will be the Pre-Registration phase, in which only your contact information is gathered, and your athlete(s) are added to the proper Team mailing lists. Head Coaches and staff of each team will be in contact regarding dates for Team activities, including evaluations, clinics & general workouts. Upon team selection/determination (based on the number of players, participation & parent involvement), an email notification will be sent out to inform parents of team status. Approved participants will then reach Phase 2/Final Registration, in which they will be able to complete all the required documents and finalize their payment balance.

8-13U Tackle

Registration Fees cover league dues, field maintenance, referees, uniforms, equipment rental/upkeep (helmet/shoulder pads ), and 1 mouthpiece. Not covered by registration fees: Practice jersey/pants, shell padding/girdles, cleats, additional mouthpieces, and additional equipment (gloves, padded shirts/sleeves, hand warmers, etc.)

**Payment is due at registration and must be paid in full by the appropriate timelines. – Refunds will be available until July 15. After July 15, there are NO refunds available as uniform orders will have been placed!

Uniform Fees: Uniform fees are baked into the base registration. Uniform fees will include two (home/away) personalized jerseys & two non-integrated pants that the players KEEP! Uniform orders will be performed in three bulk orders. Missing a payment deadline or failing to register on time can and will impact availability and possibly jersey number. PAL will host several uniform fitting sessions to allow athletes to sample. All uniform orders are FINAL, so please size them appropriately. When in doubt, order one size UP!

Proof of National Sports ID verification (www.nationsportsid.com) *Please note NSID has an associated cost (~$13/yr) that is NOT covered by regular registration fees. Please see your Head Coach and/or Team Manager for details.

After completing your Final Registration, you’ll be emailed the official 2025 AYF participation forms to be printed, signed, and returned. Please note that the package includes the required Medical release forms to be filled out by your participants’ healthcare provider or other certified resources. All paperwork from the package, an original copy of a birth certificate, and a copy of the latest report card may be required to finalize registration.