FOOTBALL MANITOBA
1st Down (ages 4 thru 7)
First Down is an 8-week multi-sport program designed to help young athletes develop the fundamental skills required for any sport! This program is offered as part of physical literacy development programming for youth in Manitoba.
No equipment Non-Contact Age-Appropriate FUNdamentals
MANITOBA MINOR FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION (MMFA)
All levels follow the fair play rules that are set by the MMFA. Fair play rules ensure that every player on offense or defense plays for a minimum of 50% of the offensive and defensive plays.
Cruncher U10 (Ages 8 & 9)
This division is intended to introduce our youngest players to the game of football in a safe and fun environment.
This is a non-competitive division, that plays on a reduced-sized field. Players learn the fundamental skills required to progress through the older age groups. For many, this is their first exposure to true teamwork and cooperation which helps prepare them for many future activities they encounter.
There are 6 players from each team on the field at a time along with one coach from each team. Coaches are allowed to provide instruction between plays and help players set up their plays.
Atom U12 (Ages 10 & 11)
The Atom division takes the players through the next phase of skill development while still providing a safe and fun environment.
This is a competitive division that tracks scores and wins/losses. Players continue to learn the fundamental skills required to progress through the older age groups. Play at this age group takes on the familiar form of the game and follows most of the same rules that most of us are familiar with, using more recognizable plays and skills (such as more passing).
There are 9 players from each team on the field at a time but coaches are no longer allowed to be on the field during gameplay. The Atom division plays on a regular length football field however the width is reduced for the smaller number of players on the field.
Peewee U14 (Ages 12 & 13)
The PeeWee division sees the players rapidly advancing their skill development as they are physically more developed. Significantly more detailed plays are used and players begin to develop a better understanding of offensive and defensive systems and strategies.
Some players will begin to focus on a specific position and work on those skills required for that position.
This can be a very competitive division that tracks scores and wins/losses. Players continue to learn the fundamental skills required to progress through the older age groups. Play at this age group takes on the familiar look using more recognizable plays and skills, including special teams, and kicking (field goals and converts).
Peewees play with 12 (6 or 9 players from each team) players from each team on the field at a time and utilize the full football field
Bantam U16 (Ages 14 & 15)
At this level, the game is played on a standard size field (65 yds x 110 yds) and plays four, 12-minute quarters (regular stop time).
Players specialize in positions, either on offense or defense. However, there is the flexibility to play more than one position during the season and individual games.