Welcome to the SYC football family! We are excited about this season and plan on providing a fun, positive experience for you and your child. This is accomplished through emphasis on sportsmanship, team play, self-discipline, maximum effort, integrity, and maximum participation in a FUN environment. This fact sheet answers many of the most common questions and concerns. After 60 years in existence, we can assure our returning and new SYC players and families that they will get the attention and stability necessary to enjoy a successful season.
SYC FOOTBALL is a member of the Fairfax County Youth Football League (FCYFL) and is governed by its rules and regulations - see www.fcyfl.org for more information. We play full contact football under modified High School Rules, against opponents of comparable size and ability, throughout the county and surrounding area. Teams are formed based on player age, weight, & ability.
REGISTRATION: opens mid-April each year.
EQUIPMENT ISSUE: SYC provides all equipment except a water jug, athletic supporter/cup, mouthpiece, & cleats. Equipment issue dates are emailed out to registered players and are listed on the football calendar on the main football page. A check for $300 will be held (not deposited) until all issued equipment has been returned. Equipment return dates will be set based on regular and post season play. Equipment reasonably worn or damaged during the year will be replaced by SYC; but equipment lost or damaged through negligence will be paid for by the parent/legal guardian. We expect our players to properly take care of and CLEAN all equipment prior to its return.
HOME GAME FIELD: John R. Lewis High School
PRESEASON CAMP (no gear needed) is generally held in late July or early August prior to the start of the fall season practices. The intent is to get the players conditioned & physically/mentally prepared for the August start of practice.
PRACTICE begins in early August, typically from 6-8pm. Practice locations will be named at a later date. The first two weeks of practice are very important, as players are evaluated & placed on teams by age/weight (see above chart) and ability. Practice may continue 5 days/week until Labor Day. After Labor Day, teams practice 3 days/week. Note: Once teams are formed, the Head Coach will set the specific days and times for his/her team’s practice.
SCRIMMAGES are critical for preparation for the regular season. Each team will typically participate in three preseason scrimmages.
OFFICIAL WEIGH IN / PLAYER ID CARD: In order to insure proper player placement by age and weight, FCYFL conducts an official weigh-in at the beginning of the season. The weigh-in is mandatory for all players! Players must have a Virginia DMV ID card for the 2023 season. NO OTHER FORM OF ID WILL BE ACCEPTED BY FCYFL. Neither a Passport, military ID, school ID, birth certificate, nor any combination thereof will be accepted by FCYFL.
The ID card is not needed for equipment issue, Preseason Camp, nor practices. The ID is only used once, at a mandatory FCYFL weigh-in. Players weigh-in one time only.
SEASON SCHEDULES are established by FCYFL and will be made available online during the week of the first game. There are seven regular season games played most often on Saturdays; however, Sunday games are common.
VOLUNTEERS are the very fabric of our club. Creditable volunteer activities are listed here. Please volunteer! It is a rewarding experience and helps keep our club fees low!
SCHOLARSHIPS/FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE is available to those who qualify. Students who receive free or reduced lunch can qualify for financial assistance. We do not want fees to be a barrier to participation.
QUESTIONS? You can find more information at www.sycva.com, or call the office during the day at (703) 339-3796.