Tackle Football Program Overview

Police Athletic League of Clay County, Inc. ("Clay PAL") programs are open to residents of Clay County, Florida.  Clay PAL belongs to the newest and most exciting tackle football league in Northeast Florida, the North Florida Youth Football Conference ("NFYFC").

By blending together different aspects of youth football programs across the United States, NFYFC set out on a mission to create a safe, fun, and competitive environment for today's youth to play tackle football. NFYFC is dedicated to teaching the fundamentals of tackle football and uses an age-based, unlimited weight classification for players.

Other member associations of NFYFC include  Oakleaf, Middleburg, Orange Park (OPAA), Fleming Island Athletic Association, Callahan, Jacksonville PAL, Ponte Vedra, Fernandina Beach, Bartram Trail, Hilliard, Creeks, Villages, Hastings, University Christian, and Clay Chargers. 

Below are the divisions offered by Clay PAL and NFYFC.  Please note that your player's "league age" for purposes of division placement is based on the age they will be on July 31, 2024.

Lieutentant (6U)

All 5 and 6 year olds, regardless of their weight

Commander (8U)

All 7 and 8 year olds, regardless of their weight

Captain (10U)

All 9 and 10 year olds, regardless of their weight

Admiral (12U)

All 11 and 12 year olds, regardless of their weight

Uniform fittings and a parent meeting will be scheduled in July.  

The regular conference season officially begins in late July 2024 and will run through mid-October (possibly to late October if teams qualify for playoffs and championships). For teams that excel during the season, there may be some opportunity for post-season play outside of the conference which could extend into November/December.

Games are held on Saturdays. Our home field for games is Walter Odum Park (445 Woodside Drive, Orange Park), however our park will be undergoing improvements and reconstruction this season so our home games will be played at other location in Clay County.  Away games do involve some travel to the other NFYFC member associations listed above. Parents are responsible for providing all transportation.  

Prior to Labor Day, the teams will practice 4-5 nights per week (no more than 10 hours per week), and after Labor Day they will practice 2-3 nights per week (no more than 6 hours per week).

The cost for tackle football is $200.00 for the 2024 season.  Please inquire about a sibling discount.  All fees must be paid IN FULL on or before July 1, 2024 or your child will be dropped from the roster, unless special circumstances are discussed with Clay PAL Management in advance.  If your family is experiencing economic hardship, please contact Deputy Rob Russell to apply for financial assistance.

The registration fee covers the player's game-day uniform package, which each player gets to keep at the end of the season. The uniform package includes the personalized reversible jersey, integrated football pants, socks and compression shirt. Helmets and shoulder pads will be loaned to each player and must be returned at the end of the season. Each player must purchase their own mouthpiece, cleats, compression shorts/cup, and practice pants/jersey.   Late registrants (if allowed) will not have a choice of jersey number and may not have their name on the back.  

 A Medical Clearance Form is required for all participants prior to the start of the season.   The form must be dated in the calendar year of 2024 and must be signed by a medical professional (MD, DO, PA or ARNP).  The Medical Clearance Form is below for parents to print and bring to their provider.

 **NOTE:  No refunds will be issued once uniform orders have been placed.  

If you have additional questions regarding our tackle football program, please contact Deputy Rob Russell, Clay PAL Coordinator, at (904) 375-2237 (landline) or rrussell@claysheriff.com or Lewis Terry, Clay PAL Football Commissioner, at (904) 472-1989.