ABOUT US
Building Athletes. Building Character. Building Community.
The Midcrest Panthers are a proud youth football organization serving families across the South and Southwest Suburbs of Chicagoland. Our program is built on a simple belief: when young athletes are supported, challenged, and encouraged, they grow not only as players—but as leaders, teammates, and confident young people.
Our Story
The Panthers were founded in 1999 when two long‑standing community programs—the Midlothian Wildcats and the Crestwood Colts—came together to form a stronger, unified organization.
Over the years, the Midcrest Panthers have become known for competitive football, strong fundamentals, and a family‑centered culture that welcomes athletes of all backgrounds and experience levels.
Southwest Midget Youth Football League (SWMFL)
The Southwest Midget Youth Football League was established in 1965 to inspire our youth and to learn and practice the ideals of sportsmanship, fair play, and physical fitness through a common interest in football and cheerleading. Through hard work, dedication, & competition our youth also learn to behave in an exemplary manner and are inspired to learn good habits such as fellowship, & respect for teachers, coaches and other adults. We strive to teach our players the fundamentals of football and our cheerleaders the fundamentals of cheerleading.
Additionally, the SWMFL promotes safety first by having all players in complete certified equipment and strict control over ages and weights. The league will be in accordance with USA Football and National Federation of High School equipment standards.
The SWMFL supports over 3500 youth football players and cheerleaders throughout the greater Chicagoland area from the following 13 Franchises: Alsip Falcons, Burbank Titans, Crete Bulldogs, Dolton Bears, Evergreen Park Stallions, Hegewisch Bulldogs, Mid Crest Panthers, New Lenox Mustangs, Oak Forest Raiders, Oak Lawn Outlaws, Palos Stars, South Holland Jets, Orland Hills/Tinley Park Bobcats.
Click here for SWMFL Boundary Map 2025
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