Frequently Asked Questions:
How long has the West Boca Tackle Football League been established for? We started the West Boca Tackle Football League in 2007 as a spin-off from Boca Flag Football & Cheerleading. We started this opportunity for all kids to participate in Tackle Football no matter of their weight or playing ability. Boca Flag Football & Cheerleading Corporation is a 501C3, which has been part of West Boca Raton Florida for more than 20 years. We are an active member of SWARA (Southwest Area Recreational Association) here in Boca Raton, Florida.
Why no weight restrictions? We believe that every child should have an opportunity to participate with their friends playing tackle football. In a recent article published by USA Football September of 2011, that participating in tackle football should be by age and not weight restrictions USA FOOTBALL ARTICLE. Today’s local high schools are looking for players that are 200+ pound linemen and running backs. Why should any child be told they need to gain or lose weight in order to play with their friends? Kids that are of the same age want to play with their friends.
What are the age limits? Our current age brackets are (As of August 1st): 6-7 years old Pee Wee Division; 8-9 years old Freshmen Division; 10-11 years old Junior Varsity Division; 12-13 years old Varsity Division (You can be turning 14 years old but must be entering 8th grade).
When does the practice start for the fall season? The West Boca Tackle Football League will begin in August. Over the summer we offer conditioning camps to begin training for the upcoming season.
Tell us about your coaches. The West Boca Tackle Football League is committed to providing your child the opportunity to learn tackle football. We interview our coaches and make sure they have experience with tackle football. We have meetings and clinics before our season start. We start with the fundamentals and proceed through the season learning more how to work together as a team. Tackle Football can only be successful if all the players individually learn their positions, understand their other teammates, and as a team perform to complete that objective. Our coaches understand the Dragons mission which is why they are with the league for many years. They understand that their child is not guaranteed and it takes everyone on the team to be successful. Coaches have gone on to other leagues or started their own league, but we stand firm that players that come to practice, learn their assignments, and do it well will deserve starting positions. Our league has made tough decisions removing coaches in the past, but we felt for the league it was the best decision.
What is the schedule during the season? Once school starts, practices are 2 times per week. The practices are either Monday & Wednesday or Tuesday & Thursday Evenings and Saturdays. Once the season has been completed in November, we do have tournament teams that participate in the Orange Bowl Youth Football Alliance from November through December.
What is the Orange Bowl Youth Football Alliance? The West Boca Tackle Football League was invited by the executive members of this alliance back in 2009. The Orange Bowl Alliance is part of South Florida’s rich 80+ years of history here in South Florida. Eleven years ago, the alliance created the Orange Bowl Youth Football Alliance to support and promote youth athletics here in South Florida. There are more than 10,000 participating members. The OBYFA provides our league with many benefits: participating against other area leagues, insurance coverage through their providers, marketing support, and free tickets to the Orange Bowl Basketball & Football games.
Who do we play? We play against our own teams and last season we extended to participate against East Boca Tackle Football. We are looking forward to continue this format and potentially other teams in the future.
Where do we play? Our practices are at West Boca High School, Olympic Heights High School, & South County Regional Park in Boca Raton. We play most of our games at the local high schools and some at Patch Reef Park when participating against East Boca Tackle.
To sign up for West Boca Tackle Football League or cheerleading or dance, REGISTER WITH THE DRAGONS
Registration cost for the 2012 season is $250.00 which will include their all their football equipment except protective cup and cleats. After June 1st the cost will be $275.00. Cheerleading is $175.00
Do you have cheerleading?Yes! Part of the spirit of football is having cheerleaders participate at every game. We have a dedicated staff teaching these young girls competitive cheerleading. The West Boca Dragons cheerleaders range from ages 6-14. Our league has been fortunate to place in the past two seasons competitively at the Orange Bowl Youth Football Alliance.
Are their tryouts for the West Boca Tackle Football League? No Tryouts! All players who register with the West Boca Tackle Football League will have an opportunity to play with our league. We firmly believe that everyone should be given the opportunity to play tackle football no matter of their weight or ability. Our coaches are here to dedicate their time and teach these young inspiring kids tackle football. Nothing is given – Its earned with the Dragons! The players are also responsible for learning their assignments, showing up to practices and games. Our league takes this very serious as players can not only injure themselves but others not knowing proper football skills.
What makes the West Boca Tackle Football League different than the other leagues? Great Question! Passion for all the players to learn the #1 game, Tackle Football. Other leagues have cut players due to their ability or made players participate with older kids, which the West Boca Tackle Football League does not believe in that philosophy. Our league has made a positive impact at our local high schools because the players who are trying out not only understand the fundamentals of tackle football, but are passionate about participating at their school. Many players that are in elementary or middle school just want a safe environment to play tackle football and that’s what the West Boca Tackle Football League is all about. Our Board Members make sure that our coaches are prepared for the season. We make sure they understand our the league’s objection and at the end the participants gave 100% whether they win or lose.
Would a travel league be better for my son than a recreational league to participate? No! The West Boca Tackle Football League provides our coaches and players a high standard of learning and participating in tackle football. We have players participating in our league from Broward to Palm Beach County. Just because your son would participate on a travel team doesn’t mean he would be better than a participant in a recreational league. Many of our former West Boca Tackle Football players have moved on to the high school level and started immediately on Freshmen or JV squads. The main factor would be traveling time to different locations if you participated in travel. Bottom line with the Dragons, we have the Board members and coaches to make your son’s participation the best tackle football experience.
How can I do more for the West Boca Tackle Football League? If you would like to be a volunteer, coach, committee member, or board member, please contact the league at glenn@westbocatacklefootball.com
Why the Dragons as the logo? We felt naming teams after college or professional teams is only a distraction. The Dragons are competitors and as a league we accomplish that goal.
