Who we are
Built on honor. Built on integrity. Rooted in community.
Neighborhood Generals Youth Football & Cheer, Inc. was established with a clear mission: to provide safe, structured, and highly competitive football and cheerleading programs while developing disciplined athletes and strong young leaders.
At the Neighborhood Generals, we don’t simply train athletes — we shape leaders. Our participants learn to compete with character, carry themselves with pride, and lead with purpose both on and off the field.
Designed to deliver a national level competitive experience, our program emphasizes intentional, year-round development. Through focused training and structured preparation, we ensure our athletes are ready physically, mentally, and competitively.
Mission Statement:
Neighborhood Generals is built on honor, built on integrity, and rooted in community. We develop disciplined athletes and strong young leaders who compete with character, carry themselves with pride, and lead with purpose on and off the field.
FAQ
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The Neighborhood Generals currently offer competitive tackle football for athletes ages 8U, 9U, and 10U through the Central CT Pop Warner.
Age eligibility: The cutoff date is July 15. For example, an athlete may not turn 9 years old before July 15 to be eligible for the 8U division.
Age group placement (no playing up): Players must participate only in their eligible age division. Playing up to an older age group is not permitted under any circumstances.
Program expansion: Additional age divisions are planned to be added beginning in 2027.
Player development: Athletes participating in the tackle football program will have access to off-season training opportunities, including:
Skill-specific instruction
Strength and conditioning
Performance-based training
7 v 7 football opportunities may also be offered as part of a preseason skills development program.
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The Neighborhood Generals will compete in the Central CT Pop Warner (Tri-State) Conference starting the Fall of 2026.
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The Neighborhood Generals are designed to provide a national level competitive football experience.
Season timeline:
Official season begins July 15th
Depending on team performance, the season may extend through early December
In-season commitment:
Approximately 4–5 days per week, including practices and games
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Conference games: Primarily located Connecticut.
Non-conference, preseason, and independent games: May include travel to neighboring states such as:
Massachusetts
Rhode Island
New Jersey
New York
Maryland
Pennsylvania
Travel schedules will be communicated well in advance to families.
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Yes. In addition to football, the Neighborhood Generals also offer sideline cheerleading for athletes ages 3-7.
Cheer at the local level
Program expansion opportunities are being evaluated as the organization grows
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Football: Teams are tentatively scheduled to practice in the evenings at Van Horn in Springfield, Massachusetts. This field has been secured. We continue to work to secure an alternative location that provides lighting and are optimistic we will have one by the start of the season.
Cheerleading: Cheer practices will be held in the evenings at Van Horn during football practice hours. Indoor, school-based locations are currently being explored.
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The Neighborhood Generals are a newly formed organization. Official registration and finalized fees will be available beginning March 19th.
Anticipated fee: Approximately $175
Family responsibility:
Practice jersey
Practice pants
Should pads
Helmet
Cleats
Cheer uniform
Cheer shoes
Cheer essentials
Financial assistance and fundraising opportunities may be explored as the program grows.
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Families are not limited to purchase helmet and shoulder pads from the links below. These were more cost-efficient options. Please feel free to purchase equipment wherever you see fit.
Helmets must be navy blue with navy blue facemask
If you cannot purchase a navy blue helmet, feel free to get the color that is available for you. Admin will then provide you with information to the vendor who is painting our helmets the correct organizational color (navy blue)
https://schuttsports.com/products/f7-air-youth-helmet
https://www.riddell.com/riddell/en/Open-Catalogue/Helmets/Youth/VICTOR-I/p/FB_HELMET_VIC_I
https://www.stadium-system.com/singlerecon.html
Champro Gauntlet I Youth Football Shoulder Pads - Anthem Sports
https://shop.guardiansports.com/products/football-guardian-cap?variant=47568160850217 (Navy Blue Guardian Cap)
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Interested families should submit an inquiry through the Contact section of the Neighborhood Generals website.
A member of the organization will follow up with next steps once registration opens. -
The Neighborhood Generals prioritize athlete safety and instruction.
Typical ratio: Approximately 6 players to 1 coach
Coaching standards:
All coaches complete background checks
Coaches are vetted and approved by the Board
Coaches have experience in football and/or youth athletics