2022 Zephyr Youth Football Night!
Mission Statement:
The Zephyr Youth Football Association was formed to provide a foundation of fun and skill development for Mahtomedi area youth. The ZYFA was founded by community parents who wanted to provide their sons and daughters with the best possible experience in learning the game of football. The mission of the ZYFA is to nurture teamwork, build confidence and instill a love of the game.
The ZYFA is a non-profit, volunteer organization whose main objective is to expose youth student athletes to the most positive, safe and fun athletic environment possible. Participants in the ZYFA must be girls or boys in grades K-8 who live or attend public or private school within the geographic boundary of the Mahtomedi School District/ISD 832. Scholarships are available for any student athlete who cannot provide the registration fee.
2024 REGISTRATION OPENS MAY 1ST!
Registration Levels of Play:
New this fall: 3rd grade tackle and flag options both available. (The league voted to move back to tackle vs tacklebar).
K - 2: Flag Football
3rd: Tackle and Flag Football available
4th - 8th: Tackle Football
2024 Updates
REGISTRATION OPENS: May 1st
- Tackle registration will be open May 1-June 14. Registrations received June 15-July 12, will be assessed a $50 late fee, no name on jersey, and random jersey number assigned.
- Flag football registration opens May 1 and will close when rosters are full.
NEW THIS YEAR
3rd grade players will have the option to choose tackle or flag football.
- MEYFL has discontinued tackle-bar and will only offer traditional tackle in league play.
- Zephyr Youth Football has partnered with SCVAA to offer a 3rd grade flag team that will play in the SCVAA flag league.
All helmets must be NOCSAE Certified. To be NOCSAE Certified, helmets must be new or recertified for the 2023 or 2024 season. This is designated by a sticker on the back or inside indicating initial season or recertified and the year. Check our website for more information.
SAVE THE DATE
Wednesdays, May 22, 4-7pm and June 12, 5:30-8:30pm
Tackle Equipment fittings will be held at Mahtomedi Middle School
- Tackle football pants and jerseys (included in your registration fee) will be available for sizing. Feel free to bring your shoulder pads for proper jersey sizing.
- Please bring in your current helmet if you plan on using it for 2024, so the NOCSAE certification and fit can be checked.
- We have partnered with Riddell for players to order football helmets and shoulder pads. Helmets and shoulder pads will be on site to try on and an ordering link will be provided for families to order directly through Riddell.
2024 SEASON NOTES
Tackle season starts July 29 for grades 7-8; August 5 for grades 3-6 (These dates may change slightly due to coach’s availability, but will not be earlier)
1st Tackle games will be August 22-28
Flag season begins in late August. Exact date TBD
THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS!
WHY FOOTBALL?
As a Heads Up Football program, our number one priority is building the safest possible environment for players without standing in the way of their passion and joy for the game. So why play for our team?
Here are 4 reasons…
1 / FOOTBALL INSTILLS IMPORTANT LIFE VALUES
Football stresses the importance of teamwork, dedication, and accountability. It teaches players more than the X’s and O’s; it focuses on how to lead, work with others, and persevere through hard obstacles and accomplish goals. Football, without a doubt, enriches the lives of every player that steps onto the field of play.
2 / HELPS IMPROVE ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE
Students benefit from sports both on the field and in the classroom. Playing sports increases self-esteem and confidence which leads to
improved academic performance. The learning, repetition, and goal-setting skills that sports teach athletes can be transferred to the classroom, leading to academic success.
3 / BOND WITH OTHERS OVER A PASSION FOR THE GAME
Students who participate in sports form close bonds with their teammates and coaches that often last for the rest of their lives. Strong relationships are essential for the mental and emotional well-being of a student-athlete. Forming meaningful relationships helps players develop interpersonal skills and creates feelings of trust and acceptance among peers.
4 / WE PUT SAFETY FIRST INTO EVERYTHING WE DO
Through the Heads Up Football program our football coaching staff accessed certification curriculum created by the nation’s leading medical and football experts. They have been trained to teach the proper guidelines, skills, and drills to ensure the safety of players during practices and games.
Components of Heads Up Football include concussion recognition and response, heat preparedness and hydration, sudden cardiac arrest, and proper fitting equipment. Heads Up Football programs experienced 88% lower rates of concussion in practice and 57% lower injury rates across all injuries in games.
WHAT IS OUR PROMISE TO YOU, THE FOOTBALL PARENT?
! Your player’s safety will be our number one priority
! Your player’s life will be enriched
! Our coaches are trained and certified
