Discipline. Brotherhood. A path forward — built on a football field, right here in Philly.
BLACKOUT is an independent junior tackle football league being built for city kids: real structure, real mentorship, and a team that feels like family. No politics, no runaround. Just football, done right.
BLACKOUT is an independent junior tackle football league, founded in Philadelphia to give city kids something solid: structure during the week, mentors who show up, and a team to belong to.
We're community-rooted — not run by a big national organization, not shipped in from somewhere else. The people building this league live here, grew up here, and are raising kids here. Every decision gets made with Philly families in mind.
The goal is bigger than wins. Football is the vehicle. What we're really building is discipline, confidence, and young men and women who look out for each other — on the field, in the classroom, and on the block.
Divisions below are proposed while the league finishes forming. Final age cutoffs will be announced before registration opens. At every level, kids build three things: fundamentals, conditioning, and character.
First taste of tackle football. Short practices, heavy teaching, and a whole lot of encouragement.
The game starts to make sense. Kids learn real positions and what it means to do your job for the team.
Competition ramps up. Playbooks get real, practices get sharper, and leaders start to emerge.
The bridge to high school ball. We get them ready — technique, toughness, and grades — for the next level.
Every division teaches the same core: fundamentals (blocking, tackling form, footwork), conditioning (built for their age, never punishment), and character (discipline, teamwork, respect). The details get harder as they grow — the standard never changes.
No jargon, no ego trips. Three rules run every BLACKOUT practice field.
Kids learn tackling the right way — head up, eyes up, wrap and drive — starting slow and building up. We teach proper form before full contact, we limit contact in practice, and any head injury means the player sits. Period. No "tough it out."
Grades slipping? We talk to parents and teachers before we talk about playing time. Our coaches check in on school the way they check in on practice. Football ends one day — an education doesn't.
A BLACKOUT coach is somebody's example. Our coaches teach football, but they also teach how to shake a hand, how to lose with your head up, and how to show up for your people. If we wouldn't leave our own kids with them, they don't coach here.
Registration isn't open yet — the league is still forming. Drop your info below and you'll be the first to know when it is. Same goes for coaches and volunteers: we need good people.
For parents and guardians. Tell us about your player and we'll reach out when registration opens.
Your email app should have opened with your info ready to go — just hit send. We'll be in touch when registration opens. Welcome to the family.
Head coaches, assistants, team parents, chain crew — if you care about these kids, there's a spot for you.
Your email app should have opened with your info ready to go — just hit send. We'll be in touch as we build out coaching staffs and volunteer crews. Philly thanks you.
The league is still in formation, so some details are being finalized. Here's where things stand — no fine print, no surprises later.
To be determined. BLACKOUT is still in formation, and the registration fee hasn't been set yet. The goal is simple: keep it affordable for working Philly families. We're pursuing nonprofit status and community support specifically so cost never keeps a kid off the field. The final number will be announced before registration opens.
The plan: the league provides the big gear — helmet and shoulder pads — so every kid plays in safe, properly fitted equipment. Families typically provide cleats, a mouthguard, and practice pants. The exact list will be confirmed before registration opens, and we'll help families who need a hand with the basics.
To be determined. Practice days, times, and field locations will be set once teams and fields are locked in. Expect weeknight practices with schedules built around school — homework first, always. Join the interest list and you'll get the schedule the moment it's final.
To be determined. The game schedule, season dates, and opponent leagues are being worked out now. Youth football in Philly traditionally runs late summer through fall, with games on weekends — we'll confirm our exact calendar before registration opens.
Safety is the foundation, not a slogan. Coaches teach certified, heads-up tackling technique — form first, contact second. Contact in practice is limited. And on head injuries, the rule is absolute: any player showing concussion symptoms comes out, gets evaluated, and doesn't return until cleared. No exceptions, no matter the score.
Philly kids, all skill levels. Never played a down? We'll teach you. Been playing for years? We'll push you. If your child is in one of our age divisions and wants to work, there's a place for them at BLACKOUT. Final eligibility details will be posted when registration opens.
We're an independent league currently in formation, and our nonprofit status is in progress. We're building this the right way — structured, transparent, and accountable to the families in it. Updates on our status will be posted here as they land.
Questions about playing, coaching, volunteering, or supporting the league — reach out. A real person reads every message.
feelthesurgefootball@gmail.com
Fastest way to reach us while we're in formation. Please include your child's age (for players) or how you'd like to help (for volunteers).
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Philadelphia practice and game locations are still being worked out. Details will be shared when confirmed — and the interest list hears first, so get on it.