MGYFA Tackle Football

Philosophy

The Maple Grove Youth Football Association is an instructional program focused on teaching the fundamentals of football. Our mission is to get kids actively involved in playing the game—not just watching it. Our main goal is simple: to have as many kids as possible participating in football.

We gauge our program’s success by how many players return each year, believing that continued participation reflects a positive experience. While winning can contribute to that experience, it’s not the most important factor—for the kids, their families, or our organization.

Beyond football skills, our program helps players develop valuable life lessons. They learn how to work as a team and how to navigate challenges by observing how adults—referees, coaches, and parents—model respectful conflict resolution.

Sportsmanship

Sportsmanship means demonstrating fair play, respect for others, and graciousness in both victory and defeat. This applies to everyone involved—players, coaches, referees, parents, and spectators.

Whether you're on the field or cheering from the sidelines, it’s important to model true sportsmanship. At Maple Grove Youth Football, we strive to show our players—on both our team and the opposing team—what it means to compete with integrity, respect, and class.

MGYFA utilizes a top-tier facility designed to enhance the experience for players, families, and coaches. Key features include:

• Four Full-Size 100-Yard Fields with Coolfill turf—safer and cooler than traditional turf surfaces.
• Custom Field Markings with the ability to paint temporary 80-yard fields, complete with true sidelines, for younger age groups.
• Lighting throughout the facility, enabling evening practices and expanded programming.
• Exclusive Use for MGYFA from August 1 to October 31, Monday through Thursday starting at 5:00 PM. MGYFA also holds first priority for weekend reservations. Similar seasonal agreements exist for Maple Grove Lacrosse and MapleBrook Soccer (April 1 – July 31).
• Expanded Amenities including restrooms, concessions, picnic shelter, warm-up areas, and a playground/park.

Benefits to MGYFA

• High-Quality Fields that minimize weather-related disruptions to games and practices.
• Lit Fields allow for more flexible scheduling and expanded opportunities for player development.
• Improved Parking & Traffic Flow thanks to staggered practice times, reducing congestion during drop-off and pick-up.
• Family-Friendly Environment with amenities like a park, playground, and concessions—creating a welcoming atmosphere for families during practices.
• Expanded Programming made possible by the flexibility and quality of the Fernbrook Fields facility.

What equipment does MGYFA provide?

MGYFA provides certified helmets for all players in grades 4–8. Each helmet is properly fitted to ensure safety and comfort.

Helmets are not required for Flag Football (Grades K–3).

All players will receive a MGYFA Jersey.

Where can I purchase the equipment I need?

Equipment can be purchased through our Online Store when available, or from our trusted partners: Dave's Sport Shop in Maple Grove and All Star Sports in New Hope. Additionally, most major sporting goods stores carry the necessary gear.

How many practices per week should I expect?

Before school begins, teams typically practice four days a week—Monday through Thursday. Once school is in session, practices are reduced to three days a week, usually on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday.

Occasionally, schedules may be adjusted due to holidays or high school varsity games. In those cases, a Wednesday practice may be added. Additionally, if a weeknight game is scheduled, it will take the place of a practice for that evening.

What time do practices start?

Practice times are staggered by grade level to help reduce traffic during pick-up and drop-off. While the final schedule will be set once teams are formed, you can generally expect:

• 4th and 5th grades to start between 5:30–6:00 PM
• 6th, 7th, and 8th grades to start between 7:00–7:15 PM

How are teams formed?

Teams for grades 4–8 are formed using an equi-draft process required by the Lake Minnetonka Athletic Association (LMAA). This process is designed to create evenly balanced teams, ensuring fair competition.

The LMAA prohibits the formation of A, B, or C-level teams, and all member associations are required to follow the league’s team formation guidelines.

When does the equidraft process happen?

Typically, the week prior to the first week of practice.   

What happens if my 4th - 8th grader misses the equidraft evaluation?

We encourage all players to be present, but any players who miss evaluations are given a rating by the coaches based on their knowledge of your player's football skills. If no one present is familiar with your player, he will be placed in the pool with a nominal rating. In either case, he is assigned to a team in the same manner as any other player.  

When will I be notified about the coaches and team for my child?

You will be notified within days of teams being formed. This is typically just prior to the start of practices. 

When does the football season start and end?

The first practices of practices begin on the Monday that is three weeks prior to Labor Day. Our final games are scheduled for the weekend prior to the traditional MEA Weekend in October. 

How many games are played?

• 1st - 3rd graders play 6 games on Saturdays during the season from the Saturday following Labor Day until the Saturday prior to MEA Weekend.
• 4th thru 8th graders play 8 games, generally the first game will be a weeknight game the week prior to Labor Day with games scheduled on Saturdays (and potentially another weeknight game) through the weekend before MEA.

Note: Weather and outside factors have an impact on scheduling. Although LMAA and MGYFA make every effort to provide a full schedule, it is possible that fewer games may be played.

Who do we play?

  4th - 8th grade Maple Grove teams do not play other Maple Grove teams. MGYFA is a member of the Lake Minnetonka Athletic Association (LMAA), along with  Wayzata, Minnetonka, Hopkins, St. Louis Park & Edina.

 1st -3rd Flag is a house league and plays other teams within the organization. 

What days are games played?

   Most games take place on Saturday, but you should expect to play a limited number on weeknights as well. The schedule varies from team-to-team, and from year-to-year, and is assigned by the LMAA. See the practice schedule for details. 

Is there a playoff?

   LMAA views itself as a teaching league. Accordingly, no standings are kept and no playoffs or championship games are held. That said, a 7th and 8th grade jamboree have been held on the final Saturday in an attempt to celebrate the end of the season, with LMAA attempting to create competitive matchups for all teams.

Can I be a coach?

Yes, you can register to be a coach. All coaches are required to undergo a background check, complete concussion training, Trust Coaches training, and complete an application. 

 How are coaches selected?

  Many criteria are used to select coaches. Coaching experience, football knowledge, the ability to connect to players and many other factors are considered. MGYFA places significant emphasis upon a coach's ability to conduct themself professionally and to positive promote LMAA, MGYFA and, most importantly, the community of Maple Grove.

Coaches are reviewed by players' families at the end of each season. Feedback is factored into the decision--although not the sole criteria--about whether a coach is invited back the following season.