Kindergarteners join the RJFA through our fundamentals-focused Flag program.  Throughout the season, kids will be exposed to running, passing and catching without deliberate contact.  Teams meet each other throughout the season in fun, friendly scrimmages.  This is a favorite town program for all kindergarteners!

One game Saturday morning, no weekday practices.

Intro to Tackle 

Ridgewood Junior Football is one of the first programs in the area to proactively address and focus on player development and safety, and we are excited to announce our Intro to Tackle program offered to  2nd graders.  This unique drills based, non-competitive and non-contact program allows kids to ease in to tackle football. The goals of this program are to teach proper blocking and tackling techniques on dummies, gradually introduce equipment so kids have more time to become comfortable in it, and ensure a deeper level of understanding of all positions, with the main focus being on safety and fun.

1 90-minute weekday clinic (likely Tuesday).

In 3rd grade kids begin an exciting transition in to Travel Tackle Football through our Pee-Wees program.  There are no cuts and all participate in play.  Games are played against other Pee-Wee programs in neighboring towns and, for the first time, we record scores and wins/losses.  While play becomes more competitive, our focus remains on safe, smart play.

Kids progress through the ranks of the Travel Tackle program as Juniors (grades 5 & 6) and Seniors (grades 7 & 8).  Ridgewood boasts a robust tackle program recording a championship at both levels last season!  Through these years we focus on rounding out the development of each player, capitalizing on their strengths and giving them opportunities to focus on positions in which they show greatest interest and ability.

The Ridgewood Travel Tackle program is a member of the Northern Bergen Junior Football League.

A safe playing experience is the number one focus of the RJFA.  A certified athletic trainer is on the sideline of every game.

2+ practices per week, weekend games

For kids who wish to continue learning about the sport without the contact aspect, we continue to offer the Flag rec program.  Kids will enjoy weekend-only games against other teams within the program, but with a more competitive element as we introduce scoring, record keeping and referees. 

One weekend game, no weekday practices.