Football Registration

At the Midcrest Panthers, we place every athlete in the division that best matches their age, skill level, and developmental stage. Our goal is to ensure that each player competes safely, confidently, and in an environment that supports growth and teamwork.

We follow the official age/weight ‑group structure of the Southwest Midget Football League, which is designed to create fair, balanced competition across all teams. Players are evaluated and placed in the appropriate division based on league guidelines, ensuring they train and compete with peers of similar age and ability.

This approach helps us:

Support safe and age/weight‑appropriate play
Build strong fundamentals at every level
Encourage confidence, sportsmanship, and team development
Prepare athletes for long‑term success in the sport

Whether your child is new to football or continuing their development, our age‑based divisions provide the right environment for them to learn, grow, and enjoy the game.

Ages

We offer five Age/ Weight‑appropriate divisions:

Mighty Mites (5–6 years old): Introductory level focused on fun, safety, and basic skills.
Widgets (7–8 years old): Early development with emphasis on teamwork and fundamentals.
Pee Wee (9–10 years old): Intermediate level with growing competition and skill refinement.
Junior Varsity (11–12 years old): Competitive play with advanced training and game strategy.
Varsity (13–14 years old): Highest youth level with strong competition and leadership development.

When

At our program, we believe in building skills, confidence, and community all year long. Here’s what our annual rhythm looks like:

Pre‑Season Workouts

We kick things off with one workout day each week, starting in June and continuing through mid‑July. These sessions help athletes get comfortable, build fundamentals, and ease into the season.

Regular Season

Our regular season runs from mid‑July through mid‑October. This is when teams practice, compete, and grow together—on and off the field.

Playoffs

The excitement continues with playoffs beginning in mid‑October and wrapping up in mid‑November.

Where

The Midcrest Panthers proudly call Shepard High School in Palos Heights, IL our home field. As part of the Southwest Midget Football League, we compete against teams from across the South and Southwest Suburbs of Chicagoland. Our schedule includes matchups with nearby communities as well as longer trips—sometimes as far as New Lenox, one of the furthest teams we face. Whether home or away, our athletes represent Midcrest with pride, sportsmanship, and Panther spirit.

Practices

Our teams practice at Posen Memorial Park, located at:

Posen Memorial Park

14200 Campbell Street

Posen, IL

This community‑centered park gives our athletes a safe, open, and accessible space to build skills, develop teamwork, and prepare for game day.

Games

During the regular season, Midcrest Panthers teams typically play 8–9 games, facing opponents from across the South and Southwest Suburbs. Teams that qualify for the postseason can play up to 4 additional playoff games, depending on how far they advance in the Southwest Midget Football League playoffs.

This structure gives every athlete plenty of opportunities to grow, compete, and experience the excitement of youth football.

New for the 2026 Season – Player Names on Jerseys

Many parents have asked about adding player names to jerseys, and we’re excited to make this option available for the 2026 season. We’ve heard your feedback and are happy to bring this enhancement to our program.

To make this possible, each level must have at least 15 players fully registered and paid in full by May 1st. If your child’s level meets this requirement, we will be able to include custom player names on jerseys for the season.

This update is part of our ongoing commitment to giving our athletes a memorable, pride‑filled football experience.

Extra Costs

Required Equipment for the Season

To ensure every athlete is properly equipped and safe, families will need to purchase the following items:

• At least one pair of padded football pants

(Integrated pads preferred for safety and convenience)

• Molded football cleats

No removable cleats and no metal cleats are allowed.

• Water or sports drinks (such as Gatorade) for every practice and game

Staying hydrated is essential for player safety and performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can my child “play up” in an older division?

In most cases, players must remain in their age/ weight‑appropriate division. Exceptions may be considered for safety, skill level, or team needs, but must be approved by coaches and league officials.

Q: What if my child is new to football?

No problem! Each division is designed to support beginners and experienced players alike. Coaches focus on fundamentals, confidence, and teamwork at every level.

Q: Are there tryouts or evaluations?

Some divisions may include brief evaluations to ensure players are placed appropriately and safely. These are not competitive tryouts—just a way to help coaches support each athlete’s development.

Q: How do I register my child?

Registration is open new. You’ll choose your child’s division based on their age, and our team will confirm placement. Keep an eye on our website and social media for updates.

Fall 2026

Registration for 2026 Football Season.

For Parents

For Officials