The Jericho Youth Football League will be holding their flag and tackle football programs registration for the Fall 2006 season on Monday, March 27 and Tuesday March 28 between 7 and 9 p.m. at Jackson Elementary School's cafeteria.

Boys and girls from 7-13 years old who will be in second through eighth grade in the fall 2006 and are interested in participating in the flag football program for this coming fall need to have a parent or guardian register them on either of the two evenings. The night of the registration every player will receive a date and time for their mandatory evaluation that will take place in early June. In addition, everyone will be given a calendar of important JYFL 2006 dates, reminders, and the season calendar for the fall 2006 season.

This year we will be running an educational and instructional football clinic on Saturday, May 13 for all registered players. At the clinic there will be celebrities, high school coaches and players, as well as instructions and hands-on demonstrations in skills and drills for the athlete to participate in.

The Jericho tackle football program, which was run in conjunction and cooperation with the Syosset Youth Football League, had another successful season last fall. The community, parents, and children embraced the opportunity to participate in a competitive and fun program.

"Last year's tackle season has been a natural progression from the six overwhelmingly successful seasons of the Jericho Flag Football program. It was fantastic to provide the children in our community with the choice of playing flag, tackle, or both," said Jeff Falk, co-commissioner of the Jericho Youth Football League.

The tackle program is open to boys and girls ages 5 through 12 years of age. Parents should bring a copy of their child's birth certificate to the registration. Dates and times for equipment fitting and pick up will be provided the night of registration, so players do not need to attend this registration.

The tackle program begins practices on August 1, and the flag starts practices when school begins. Any player who is away for the summer will report upon return. Both of the programs run through the end of November, and end with an award banquet at the end of each season. The cost for the tackle program is $200, along with a $50 fundraising fee per player and a $25 multi-player discount for each additional player per family. The cost for the flag program is $125 per player with a late fee of $75 for any child registered after July 1.

"Coach, I would start the season all over again, including the practices in the middle of August," said a number of players regarding this tackle program. "This was the best!"

Anyone with questions concerning either the tackle or flag program, about volunteering, coaching, or about the Jericho Youth Football League, you can contact either Steven Brett at 498-3315 or Jeff Falk at 485-2729.