The Knights Youth Football & Cheer Organization is dedicated to promoting the sport among young athletes across Westford, Acton, Boxborough, Littleton, and surrounding communities.
We offer programs for all ages and skill levels — from your athlete's very first snap to competitive tackle football.
Tackle Football
Ages 9–14 · Full Contact
Our flagship program develops disciplined, team-first athletes through competitive tackle football. Players ages 9–14 build real skills, confidence, and lifelong friendships under the guidance of our certified coaching staff.
Flex is our youth-first introduction to football for players ages 5–8. Designed to teach the fundamentals of the game in a safe, fun, and encouraging environment — the perfect starting point for every future Knight.
The Knights Cheer squad brings energy and spirit to every game and competition. Athletes ages 5–14 develop performance skills, choreography, and teamwork both on the sidelines and on the competition floor.
Everything parents need to know about registration, practices, games, and gear.
When is registration open?
Registration runs February 1 through August 21. Register online at wabknights.com under the "Registration Info" tab — you'll receive a confirmation email. You must have a valid registration to pick up equipment. Late registrations are considered case-by-case based on roster availability.
Who is eligible to participate?
All children in grades K–8 who live or attend school in Westford, Acton, Boxborough, or Littleton are eligible. Families from neighboring towns without an AYF program are also welcome — reach out to us at wabknights@gmail.com. A waiver is required if you're outside those four towns.
How much does it cost to register?
Registration fees: Tackle Football — $450 | Cheer — $350 | Flex Football — $195. Fees cover uniforms and all equipment. A discount applies for second and subsequent children in the same family. Full or partial scholarships are available for hardship cases — contact president.wabknights@gmail.com.
What paperwork is required to participate?
Before the first practice you need: (1) Registration fee paid in full, (2) Original birth certificate with raised seal — no copies or hospital certificates, (3) A physical exam signed by a doctor after January 1 of the current year, (4) Signed Participant Contract & Parental Consent Form, (5) Signed Parent Code of Conduct, and (6) Cheer Policy form (cheer participants only). All forms are on wabknights.com under Documents.
When does the season start and end?
The season kicks off August 1. The regular season runs through late October. Playoffs and cheer competitions can extend things through November. National Football and Cheerleading Championships are held in early December for qualifying teams.
When and where are practices?
Practices run Monday–Thursday, 6–8 PM (max 10 hrs/week before Labor Day; 6 hrs/week after). Pre-Labor Day: NARA Park in Acton or Abbot School in Westford. Post-Labor Day: football stays at Abbot School; cheer moves indoors to Westford and Acton school gyms. Parents don't have to stay but must return 10 minutes before practice ends.
When and where are games played?
There are 8 regular season games, mostly on Sundays (Week 2 is typically Saturday). Home games are at Acton Boxborough Regional High School and Westford Academy. Games start in late August and run through October. Players should arrive at least 1 hour before game time in full uniform.
What equipment and uniforms are provided?
Football players receive a helmet (with chinstrap and ear pads), shoulder pads, and a practice shirt — valued at over $450 per player. Cheerleaders receive their game/competition uniform and sneakers. All equipment must be returned at the end of the season in good condition.
How much will my child get to play?
American Youth Football enforces a Mandatory Play Rule — every rostered player is guaranteed a minimum number of plays per game: 10 plays (16–25 players), 8 plays (26–30 players), or 6 plays (31–35 players). In most cases players play well above the minimum. Coaches place athletes in positions that best support both the individual and the team.
What is the refund policy?
Full refund if you withdraw before the first practice (all equipment must be returned). $100 refund if you withdraw within 4 weeks of the first practice and return all equipment. No refunds are issued after the first game.
How do I sign up to volunteer?
We always need help with concessions, the chain gang, game announcing, time clock, press box, apparel sales, and coaching. Email wabknights@gmail.com to get involved. All volunteers must complete a CORI background check form, available on wabknights.com under Documents & Forms.
Is there a code of conduct?
Yes — all players, cheerleaders, and parents sign a Code of Conduct and Rules & Regulations including Attendance Guidelines. Every volunteer, board member, and coach is also required to sign a Code of Conduct and pass a CORI criminal background check.
Who do I contact with questions?
President: Matthew Pickett — matthewpickett30@gmail.com | Cheer Director: Marcie Day — mday@evvivatrattoria.com | General inquiries: wabknights@gmail.com
Can I watch games online or on a live stream?
Yes! We stream games live on our YouTube channel at youtube.com/@wabknights5822. Visit the Watch Live page at wabknights.com/livestream to watch directly on the site. Streams typically go live about 30 minutes before kickoff. Past games are saved on the channel after each stream. Subscribe on YouTube so you get notified when we go live.
Where can I find the game schedule?
The full 2026 season schedule is at wabknights.com/schedule. There are 8 regular season games — mostly Sundays, with Week 2 traditionally on a Saturday. Games start in late August and run through October. Players should arrive at least 1 hour before game time in full uniform.
Where can I buy WAB Knights gear and apparel?
Shop official Knights gear — t-shirts, hoodies, hats, and more — at our online team store: stores.inksoft.com/wabl_knights_football/shop/home. You can also reach the store from the Shop page at wabknights.com/shop. All items ship directly to you.
What do I need to bring to the first practice?
Before the first practice you need: (1) Registration fee paid in full, (2) Original birth certificate with raised seal — no copies, (3) Physical exam signed by a doctor after January 1, 2026, (4) Signed Participant Contract & Parental Consent Form, (5) Signed Parent Code of Conduct, and (6) Cheer Policy Form (cheer only). Print a full checklist at wabknights.com/checklist. All forms are at wabknights.com under Documents & Forms.
How can my business become a sponsor?
We offer three sponsorship tiers: Silver ($250) — name on website; Gold ($500) — name on website and team t-shirts; Knight ($1,000) — name on website, team t-shirts, and field banner. Email wabknights@gmail.com to get started, or visit the Sponsors section at wabknights.com/#sponsors for full tier details.
