Tackle Football

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Glenbrook North Jr Spartan tackle football is a year-round development program built around three connected components: Winter Football Academy, Spring 7-on-7, and Fall Tackle Football.

The fall season is the competitive core of the program. Winter and spring programming focus on development and honing each player’s craft, allowing athletes to continue improving football-specific skills while fully participating in their primary winter and spring sports.

Coaching within the Jr Spartan tackle football program is development-focused, supplemented by offseason expert training with former collegiate and professional players, and reinforced through a strong partnership with TCBoost. All coaches meet required certification, safety, and background check standards, and teams are led by experienced Head Coaches who have been with the program for multiple years and do not have children currently participating, ensuring objective leadership and consistent standards across the program.

Together, these components prepare Northbrook athletes for success in fall tackle football and, ultimately, the Glenbrook North High School football program—without requiring year-round specialization.

For more information about our Winter Football Academy, go here:

https://www.gbnjrspartan.com/program/winter-camps/17951

Spring 7-on-7 is aimed at tackle football players who want to improve specific skills during the spring, without having to sacrifice commitment to their spring sport. Registrants should be planning to play tackle in the fall - either with the GBN Jr Spartans, or for the GBN Frosh / Soph team.  

Practices will be structured and run by Tackle Head Coaches and their staffs. Coaching Staffs could also be supplemented by interested parents.

Program Overview

Jr Spartan Spring 7-on-7 is a development-first passing league focused on teaching football skills—not chasing wins or records. The emphasis is on quarterback play, route running, coverage, spacing, timing, and football IQ in a controlled, non-contact environment.

Players rotate through offense and defense, with a focus on reps, learning multiple positions, and steady improvement throughout the season.

Who This Program Is For

Spring 7-on-7 is supplemental development for football players—particularly centers and skill-position athletes—who want to get better at their craft during the offseason.

This format allows players to continue developing football-specific skills while also playing other spring sports, with no contact and limited wear-and-tear.

Format & Expectations

7-on-7, non-contact football

No blocking, no rushing

Forward passing only

Timed throws to promote rhythm and decision-making

Ball carriers are down by touch

Interceptions end the play immediately (no returns)

Mouthguards required

Standard football cleats permitted (no metal spikes)

Equal participation and rotation are expected

**Very important disclaimer**

We will only field a 7-on-7 team at a given level and commit coaching resources if we can build a roster of tackle football players—either athletes from the previous fall season or those committed to playing tackle football in the coming fall—with enough redundancy that the team can function week to week even when conflicts arise. Practically, that means having multiple players capable of handling core roles such as quarterback and center, along with enough reliable participation across positions that we are not one absence away from a terrible experience for the team. It also requires upfront buy-in from families to the scheduling, travel, and competitive realities of the league, as well as the ability to establish a practice time that works for the team, since we believe practice to be the most important contributor to development.

We proudly offer tackle football for ages 8-14, focusing on player development, safety, and fostering a love for the game. While our teams compete to win, our ultimate goal is to prepare Northbrook athletes for the next level at Glenbrook North High School, both in football and in life.

Read more about our philosophy here:

https://www.gbnjrspartan.com/about/why-jr-spartan-tackle-football/81649

COMMITMENT & EXPECTATIONS

Tackle football requires consistency—players must attend practice to develop the skills and repetitions necessary for safety and success.

Multi-sport athletes are welcome, but football should take priority during the fall season.

Attitude and Effort are the only things we can control in life. Players who demonstrate the right attitude and effort will earn playing time and a starting position, even if they are not the most skilled players.

Practice Expectations:

• Competitive teams (Varsity, Lightweight, Middleweight):
• Preseason: 5 days per week (starts mid-July)
• In-Season: 3 days per week + film/walkthroughs as needed
• Developmental teams (Featherweight, Bantam, PAC teams):
• Preseason: 4 days per week
• In-Season: 2 required practices + 1 optional per week
• Attendance Matters! Players who miss practice will be less prepared for games, which may impact playing time.

PLAYING LEVELS & TEAM FORMATION

We compete in the Chicagoland Youth Football League (TCYFL), featuring 50+ member communities. We aim to field teams at every level based on registration numbers.

TCYFL Divisions (Ages & Weights TBD for 2025):

🏈 Bantam: Ages 6-9

🏈 Featherweight: Ages 8-11

🏈 Middleweight: Ages 10-13

🏈 Lightweight: Ages 12-14

🏈 Varsity: Ages 12-14

Team Selection:

• Mandatory pre-season individual assessments will take place during early conditioning and the first week of practice.
• Teams are primarily formed by ability & size but will consider parent preferences when possible.
• All 12-14-year-olds will be evaluated for our top Varsity team—this is a badge of honor and the ultimate goal for participants.
• We strive to keep teams between 18-22 players for optimal playing time and development.

What’s Included in registration:

✅ Home & away game uniforms

✅ Game socks

Player Responsibilities:

Athletes must provide helmet, shoulder pads, rib guards, cleats, athletic girdle, cup, mouthguard, and practice pants.

PRE-SEASON ATTENDANCE

⏳ We understand families may have summer conflicts, and players will not be penalized for missing early practices. However, for new players, attending the start of practice is highly recommended to avoid falling behind. Communication is key!

GAME SCHEDULE

📅 Regular Season: 9 games, mirroring the Illinois High School football schedule

🏟 Home Games: Sundays at William Lutz Stadium (GBN High School)

🚗 Away Games: Generally within one hour of Northbrook (could be Saturdays or Sundays)

Schedule Release: Typically 2 weeks before the first game; rolled out in phases for competitive balance

Game Days: Most games are Sundays between 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (some away game Saturdays, including occasional night games)

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

🏈 We believe every child should have the opportunity to play football.

We offer financial support options for league fees and equipment needs. If assistance is required, please contact Bob Anderson at (847) 630-4848 to discuss available options.