All sports carry some risk of injury, but football has never been safer. All of our coaches are first aid and CPR trained and an athletic trainer is present for all games and practices. USM coaches teach "heads up," rugby-style tackling techniques for proper form and increased player safety. Tackling drills incorporate tackling pads that limit contact but still make it fun and challenging while learning safe techniques.

The trainer, who is present for all Jr. Wildcats Football practices and games, will attend to any injuries as well as work with families if further medical attention is needed. USM's football program has had an incredibly safe record over the last decade, and the athletic trainer works with Jr. Wildcats Football coaches and parents to ensure players are in their best health.

Yes, we provide Guardian Caps for all players. Guardian Caps will be returned with all equipment at the end of the season.

The Jr. Wildcats program is 11-person tackle football. We play in the Greater Metro Milwaukee Youth Football League.

All equipment and uniforms are provided by the school. Helmets and shoulder pads are reconditioned and certified yearly. Players will need to provide their own cleats and a mouthguard, and an extra pair of practice pants if desired.

All practices are held on USM's campus on our turf practice field. Home games are played on USM's Ken Laird Field (turf) in the Don Forti Stadium, while away games are held at various opponents' fields.

No. All eligible players will be placed on the team, and we welcome all abilities and experience levels. There are no cuts.

All coaches have multiple years of experience coaching youth and high school football and all are affiliated with the USM football program. The coaches receive training, have passed required background checks, and are first aid and CPR certified. Please see our coaches page for more specific information on each coach.

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 skills that will serve them throughout their lives.

Jr Wildcat Football is open to any student in 7th or 8th grade, and we welcome players of all abilities and experience levels. Students in 6th grade may be allowed to play on the team pending an evaluation by our coaching staff.

No! Jr. Wildcats Football is open to all community members. Your child does not need to be enrolled at USM to play.

Yes, girls are welcome to join!

The Jr. Wildcats use youth-sized footballs. The specific ball used by the team is the Wilson TDY ball.

Yes. The Jr. Wildcats Football Camp is a free, two-day camp in the summer. This camp gets players ready for the fall by practicing techniques, formations, and physical fitness. This is a great camp for introducing new players to the Jr. Wildcat program.

Jr Wildcat Football is open to any student in 7th or 8th grade, and we welcome players of all abilities and experience levels. Students in 6th grade may be allowed to play on the team pending an evaluation by our coaching staff.

Registration fees for the season will be $150 per player, which includes all equipment other than cleats and mouthguards.

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 a player withdraws after the start of the second week of practice.

The weight limits of any skill position player (quarterbacks, running backs, receivers, tight ends) are as follows:

• 7th grade: Maximum weight of 160lbs for skill position players.
• 8th grade: Maximum weight of 160lbs for skill position players.

Per the Greater Milwaukee Metro Youth Football League, any player who weighs more than 160lbs shall be limited to interior line and may not, under any circumstances, line-up off the line of scrimmage on offense. They may be used as a punter/place kicker. 

Visit our registration page to get started.

The registration fee covers all football equipment and uniforms, including Guardian Caps, with the exception of football cleats and mouthguards.

Equipment is distributed to players the week of Aug. 17, 2026. We highly encourage players to get their equipment on the first day of availability. If that is not possible, alternative arrangements will be made. Equipment will not be issued without a player present, as the equipment must be sized properly, and the equipment form must be signed by a legal parent/guardian.

Equipment will be turned in after the season. All equipment is the property of USM and must be returned on the due date, or the player will be charged. This is so we can have all equipment reconditioned and certified in the off-season.

We recommend that players buy molded-plastic cleats. Players are required to bring a large water jug with their name written on it. The coaches will communicate the equipment to be worn each day.

Practices begin the week of August 24, 2026. The Jr. Wildcats will practice on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday afternoons from 4:30 to 6 p.m.

The Jr. Wildcats play all teams affiliated with the Greater Metro Milwaukee Youth Football League.

Teams are limited to six hours of practice per week during the school year. Each team sets its own schedule.

For new players, football practice is a challenge. To get them ready, we recommend they do some physical exercise prior to the season, including push-ups, sit-ups, and running (including sprints).

Playing time is left up to the coaching staff. If your child attends all the practices during the week and works hard, they will play in each game. However, playing time is not equal among all players.

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

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.