Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

Below are common questions regarding M-T Cardinal Youth football. If you can't find the information you are looking for, please reach out to Micah Adams at cardinalfootballmt@gmail.com.

General Questions

Is this tackle or flag football? 

The Cardinal program is 11-man tackle football. The Mequon-Thiensville Recreation Department offers a flag football program for children through 6th grade.

What is the primary focus of Cardinal Football? 

The primary focus is to promote the game of football in Mequon and Thiensville for 5th to 8th graders. Our goal is to teach the fundamentals of the game in a positive, safe and fun environment. Players will develop character, sportsmanship, work ethic, teamwork and leadership that will serve them throughout their lives.

What grades participate in Cardinal football?

Our program is for children in 5th to 8th grade. We may allow 4th graders to play on the 5th grade teams, but any 4th grader that plays on a 5th grade team will play at the 5th grade level again the following season.   

What are the restrictions on 4th graders playing on 5th grade teams?

4th graders may register during the March registration period, but spots will not be guaranteed until after registration. If we have room for 4th grade players, they will be accepted based on earliest to register. If there is not room, all 4th graders will be given a full refund.

Any 4th grade player must weigh at least 70 pounds on the day of equipment distribution. 4th grade players will be refunded in full if they are not 70 pounds on the day of equipment distribution.

Is football safe at this level? 

Football has never been safer. However, no contact sport can guarantee that there won't be injuries. The goal of our coaching staffs is to make the game as safe as possible by teaching proper techniques and selecting positions that are appropriate based on the size and skill of the players. We also limit tackling to the ground during practice.

Does my child have to try out to make a team? 

No. All eligible players will be placed on a team. There are no cuts.

How can parents get involved during the season? 

Other than coaching, we need parent volunteers to help with fundraising, concessions, filming, chain gangs and running the clock. All families are required to indicate what position they will be volunteering in during the season at the time of registration.

How are coaches selected? 

Head coaches are selected by the Cardinal board. Our pool of coaches consists of parents and other community members, some of whom may not have children in the program. Head coaches are responsible for selecting their coaching staffs with guidance from the board. All coaches are required to pass a background check and undergo training through USA Football on safe and proper techniques.

Are coaching staffs the same for each season? 

Our goal is to have the coaching staffs move with the team as they progress from 5th to 8th grade, but we do have some natural turnover in the staffs due to job situations, family relocations, etc.

Registration & Eligibility

Who is eligible to play? 

Cardinal Football is for players who reside in Mequon or Thiensville. There are only two exceptions:

1. If a player attends a school within the Mequon-Thiensville School District (“MTSD”) boundaries (including Mequon and Thiensville private schools) and the community of residence does not have a team in the AAYFL. 

OR

2. If a player has been enrolled in a MTSD school for two years prior to participation through open enrollment.

How much does registration cost? 

Registration fees for the 2026 season will be $300 per player for players registered on or before March 31 and $350 for players registered April 1 or later.

What is the refund policy?

If a player withdraws prior to the start of the second week of practice, the full registration fee will be refunded minus a $25 administrative fee. No refund will be granted for any reason including injury if withdrawing after the start of the second week of practice.

What if a child wants to play, but the family can’t afford the registration fee?

Scholarships are available on a confidential basis by contacting Micah Adams at cardinalfootballmt@gmail.com.

Can girls play?

Yes, we have had girls play in previous seasons.

Are there any weight restrictions?

The AAYFL does not have a maximum weight limit, but there are limits on the weight of any ball carrier (quarterbacks, running backs, receivers and tight ends) depending on grade:

• 5th Grade -- Maximum weight of 100 lbs.
• 6th Grade -- Maximum weight of 120 lbs.
• 7th Grade -- Maximum weight of 140 lbs.
• 8th Grade -- Maximum weight of 160 lbs.

Where do I go to register?

Visit our Registration Page to get started.  

Equipment

What equipment is needed?

The registration fee covers all football equipment and uniforms with the exception of football cleats.

When is equipment hand out?

Equipment will be handed out during the first week of August.  Equipment will not be issued without a player and parent/guardian present as the equipment must be sized properly and the equipment form must be signed.

When do I return equipment?

Equipment will be turned in early in November. All equipment other than T-shirts must be turned in on that date. 

What does my child wear to practice?

The equipment to be worn each day will be communicated by the organization president and/or head coaches. Players are also required to bring a large water jug with their name written on it. 

Teams, Practices & Games

How many Cardinal teams are there at each grade level? 

The number of teams is based on participation level. We had one team at each grade level during the 2025 season.

When do practices start? 

In 2026, we expect the first practice will be Monday, August 3. Teams practice Monday – Friday from 5:30 – 7:30 at Lemke Park during August. There are typically two Saturday scrimmages after the second and third week of practice. For the first ten hours of practice, it is mandatory that there be no contact under AAYFL rules.

Do teams play against other communities? 

Yes. We are members of the Wisconsin All-American Youth Football League (“AAYFL”) which consists of teams from approximately 40 communities in southeastern Wisconsin from Kewaskum in the north, Lake Geneva in the south and Oconomowoc in the west.

Once school starts, when will teams practice? 

Teams are limited to six hours of practice per week during the school year. Each team sets its own schedule, but will do so across three days on weekdays.

When are games?

Each team will play eight games on Saturdays starting the weekend after Labor Day weekend with the season ending the last weekend of October. We do not have any activities on Labor Day weekend. Prior to the season, each team will know their opponents and locations for the first six games. The final two games are dependent upon the 8th grade playoffs so the opponent, location and game time are not set until the week of those games.

What time are games on Saturdays? 

Most games are played at the following times:

• 8th Grade: 9 am
• 7th Grade: 10:45 am
• 6th Grade: 12:30 pm
• 5th Grade: 2:00 pm

Games do not always conclude on schedule so there are days when the later games do not start on schedule. Occasionally, games are played at different times on Saturdays depending on field availability.

Where are games played? 

Our home games are played at Homestead High School. Our away games are played in surrounding communities.

Is my child guaranteed playing time?

Yes, all players will play in every game. However, playing time is not equal among all players. If your child attends all the practices during the week and works hard, they will play in each game. 

How are teams determined? 

Teams are based on grade level. Aside from 4th graders playing a year early on the 5th grade team, no child will play on a team that is not the grade that they are currently in.

How are positions determined? 

Coaches are responsible for determining positions based on the size and skills of each player. Coaches want players to be in positions where players can be safe, successful and contribute positively to the team.

Do players get to play both offense and defense? 

Typically yes. Players learn a position(s) on both sides of the ball, but depending on roster size, a player may only play one side of the ball during a game. 

What size are footballs? 

6th-8th grade teams use youth-size footballs. The specific ball used by the Cardinal teams is the Wilson TDY ball. 5th grade teams use junior-size footballs. The Cardinal ball for the 5th grade is the Wilson TDJ.

Are there football camps during the summer? 

Yes. If interested, please look under Football Camps in the link HERE.