HOW MANY TEAMS ARE THERE AND WHAT ARE THE LEVELS?
Lakeshore Football offers competitive full contact football Atom, Mosquito, Pee-Wee, Bantam and Midget as well as a Full Equipment Flag Football program.
MINOR FOOTBALL – MRFL AAA
- Tykes Cougars – Full gear with flags – Recreational intro to football. Players 5-6-7 of age.
- Atom Cougars AAA – Players 7-8-9 of age – 12 man tackle.
- Mosquito Cougars AAA – Players 10-11 of age – 12 man tackle.
- Peewee Cougars AAA – Players 12-13 of age – 12 man tackle.
INTER-CITY FOOTBALL
These are “elite” levels of competitive football and are considered the highest caliber of football available for players in these age groups. The teams tend to carry larger rosters in order to accommodate and develop more players. New players at this level are welcome and are encouraged to join.
- Bantam Cougars AAA – QBFL AAA – Players 14-15 of age – 12 man tackle.
- Midget Cougars AAA- QMFL AAA – Players 16-17 of age – 12 man tackle.
WHO CAN PLAY FOR LAKESHORE TEAMS?
If you live in Kirkland, Beaconsfield, Baie d’Urfe, Sainte Anne-de-Bellevue, Senneville, Pointe-Claire, or Dorval, you can play football for Lakeshore.
If you live in a “protected territory” such as Pierrefonds, Dollard, Roxboro, Ile Bizard, Ste. Genevieve, St-Lazare or Ile Perrot you must play for teams in that territory.
DO GIRLS PLAY FOOTBALL?
Yes, many girls have played football for Lakeshore in the past. However, due to the physical nature of the sport it is not recommended that girls participate beyond the Peewee level.
CAN I PLAY CIVIL FOOTBALL AND SCHOOL FOOTBALL?
No, Football Quebec strictly forbids players from signing both a Civil and Scholastic contract.
MY CHILD IS NOT BIG FOR HIS AGE. CAN HE STILL PLAY FOOTBALL?
Of course he/she can play!! There are weight limitations established by Football Quebec in order to match the physical stature of players. These weight limits apply at the Atom (110 lbs), Mosquito (135 lbs.), and Peewee (165 lbs.) levels. There is no weight limit at Bantam and Midget. NOTE: Players are permitted to gain an additional five pounds during the season.
IF MY CHILD IS OVER THE WEIGHT LIMIT CAN HE STILL PLAY?
If your child exceeds the weight limit at contract registration time in August, he/she becomes eligible to play offensive line only.
DOES EVERYONE MAKE THE TEAM?
The Lakeshore Football Association always strives to have as many children as possible “make the team.” However, there may be instances where registration numbers go beyond the roster limits set by Football Quebec. In such cases, we will always try to accommodate all players through the use of practice rosters, if necessary. At most levels, all who register and pass the physical requirements of football will find a spot on a team, if registration numbers exceed available roster spots, cuts may be made.
WHAT EQUIPMENT IS REQUIRED?
Equipment is provided for every player for the duration of the season. The equipment (helmet, chinstrap, shoulder pads, pants and jersey) is loaned to the player and must be returned to Lakeshore Football at season’s end. The only equipment you are required to purchase is appropriate footwear (i.e. cleats).
WHEN DOES THE SEASON START?
Evaluations start indoors for some levels in March. Teams will typically practice outdoors from early May to early/mid June with the purpose of assessing players and placing them on the appropriate teams. Following the spring evaluations, teams will break for the summer and resume the regular season practice schedule in the first week of August. Games usually begin the third weekend in August. There are 9 or 10 regular season games on the schedule.
HOW OFTEN DO TEAMS PRACTICE?
Minor Football normally holds 2 or 3 practices per week. For example, a team may hold practices Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 6:30pm to 8:00pm. The Head Coach at each level can confirm the frequency of practices. Most minor practices are held at Smiley Park “Field Turf” which is adjacent to parc des Benevoles.
Bantam football practices run 3 times a week.
WHEN ARE GAMES PLAYED?
There is usually one game per week which is held on the weekend. On occasions such as Labour Day or Thanksgiving, there may be two games (e.g. Saturday and Monday).
WHERE ARE GAMES PLAYED?
All home games are played on the artificial “Field Turf” field at parc des Benevoles in Kirkland (Highway 40 and Jean-Yves, across from le Colisee Kirkland).
WHEN DOES THE SEASON END?
The regular schedule will end around Thanksgiving. Depending on how far a team advances in the playoffs, the season could run until late October. If a team reaches the Provincial final you can expect to play an additional 4 to 5 playoff games right into November.
IS FOOTBALL A DANGEROUS SPORT?
Research studies have shown that if players are properly equipped, properly instructed, and properly supervised there is little difference with regards to injury risk between youth football, hockey, soccer and many other sports. However, should your child incur an injury during a game, Lakeshore Football contracts for the presence of a qualified Sports Therapist at all games and most practices.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO PLAY?
There are different costs for each level but generally fees range from Tykes 250$ – 550$ These fees include “team budget charges” such as drinks/oranges or the players, a sports therapist at games, trophies for each player, a team photo, and a team banquet in January. Our fees are all inclusive and cover everything required to play with the exception of footwear. We do not ask parents to fundraise, however we do expect parents to volunteer to run the canteen for one half game during the season.
HOW AND WHERE DO I REGISTER?
Registration forms can be completed online https://lakeshorefootball.ca/registration/
Details are posted on our website at www.lakeshorefootball.ca
IF I MISS SPRING CAMP CAN I STILL SIGN UP AND PLAY?
Technically speaking, players can sign a contract for football until the submission deadline date which is October 1st. However, we strongly recommend that you register as early as possible (spring) in order to benefit fully from the experience of the full season and to assure yourself a spot on a roster.
WHAT IF MY CHILD REGISTERS AND AFTER A FEW PRACTICES DECIDES THAT HE DOESN’T WANT TO PLAY FOOTBALL?
If, after registering and attending a few practices, your child decides not to play you will receive a refund less an administrative and insurance fee. A refund will only be issued once all equipment is returned.
DOES FOOTBALL QUALIFY FOR THE CHILD SPORTS TAX CREDIT?
Yes, a receipt will be sent to you by Lakeshore Football after the end of the season.
HOW CAN I GET INVOLVED?
The Lakeshore Football Association is a community oriented organization and we are always in need of volunteers. There are many areas where you can “join the Lakeshore Football family.” Examples of volunteer duties include coaching, administration and registration, fund raising, canteen volunteer, timer/scorekeeper, team manager and on field duties (yardsticks).