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How much does it cost to register for Jr. Raiders?

• Football is $150

• Cheer is $100

• Families registering multiple children will receive a $30 discount for each additional child after the first child is registered.

• The vendor we use for online registration will also charge a small fee at the time or registration.  

• Balances will be due by July 27, 2024. All fees must be paid in full before your child can receive equipment and participate in conditioning.  

• Financial assistance may be available in some situations. Please contact a board member to request assistance if needed or click here to send us an email. 

What equipment do I need to buy?

• The registration fee covers all required equipment except socks and cleats/cheer shoes, but we do have several totes of used cleats so please contact Lisa Espinoza if you have need.

• If your child has braces you will want to contact your orthodontist for an appropriate mouth guard.  

• For football players, we do provide a traditional girdle with the registration, but many players prefer a newer style integrated girdle. You are welcome to purchase a new integrated girdle at a sporting goods store if you would like, but we do offer the traditional style at no charge.  We will NOT be selling girdles and padded shirts this year.

Does my child need a sports physical?

• Yes. All Jr. Raider football players and cheerleaders will need to turn in a physical form completed by a licensed medical provider after April 15th of the year of play and prior to participating in conditioning.

• Many insurance plans cover the cost or a sports physical with annual well child exams. Please be sure to make arrangements to have your child’s physical completed prior to conditioning. 

• You may download a blank physical form on our Forms page. 

Do I need to turn in a concussion form?

• Yes. Michigan law requires that we collect a concussion awareness form from all participants in both football and cheer.  

• You may download a blank concussion awareness form on our Forms page.

Do Jr. Raider coaches complete safety training?

• Yes. For each football team the head coach and one assistant completes online training through USA Football.

• This training includes concussion and heat-related illness training. We are also working to offer our coaches first aid and CPR training in the near future.

• All cheer coaches complete concussion training on an annual basis.  

Does my child have to attend conditioning?

• Yes. Our governing body, Mid-Michigan Pony Football League (MMPFL), requires that each participant complete a set number of hours of conditioning prior to participating in practice.

• Missing any days of conditioning will require that your child finishes conditioning before joining his/her team for normal practices. 

When will practices occur?

• Practice schedules are determined by each team’s coaching staff.  

• Regular practices begin mid-August and may continue through the end of October depending on grade level.

• Once the school year has begun ...

  • 3rd-6th graders may practice up to six hours a week, no more than two hours per practice.  

When will the games be?

• Our game schedule is determined by MMPFL.

• Games occur mainly on Saturdays, but Sunday games are a possibility.

• 3rd through 6th grade normally begins the weekend after Labor Day.

• The last game will be scheduled before the end of October.

• Depending on the number of teams in a specific grade level, teams may have a bye week where they practice, but do not have a game. 

How far will we have to travel for games?

• Most teams play half of their games at home at the Jr. Raider field at Portland Middle School, and the other half away at other MMPFL member communities.  

• For 2023, MMPFL member communities included: Charlotte, DeWitt, East Lansing, Eaton Rapids, Grand Ledge, Holt, Ionia, Jackson NW, Lakewood, Mason, Pewamo-Westphalia, Portland, Waverly and St. John's. 

What volunteer opportunities does Jr. Raiders offer for parents/guardians?

• For each home game, your team parent will coordinate volunteers for chain gang, clock operator, spotter, and possibly announcer.  

• Home teams will also need a set number of volunteers to cover the concession stand during the game that is either before or after your child’s game. 

• If you are interested in coaching, please submit a coaching application found on our Forms page. Coach applications are reviewed on an annual basis. Please note that we have a limited number of coach opportunities.

• Our board is always looking for new board members to assist with the overall operation of the organization, as well as coordinating special events. Please contact a board member for more information.

Can my 3rd grader play Jr. Raider football?

• YES

• In accordance with MMPFL rules, a 3rd grader who is 8 years old on or before September 1st of the current year. 

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