Catholic United Football Description

Catholic United Football

 

The GRACEAC football program in the fall operates with the Catholic United model. Due to the size/numbers involved, the program is split by geography with Catholic United West (CUW) and Catholic United East (CUE) teams. The 5th-8th grade boys from throughout the Diocese/GRACEAC combine to form teams and compete in outside leagues. The Catholic United West teams are primarily composed of the students at West Catholic partner schools including - ABVM, OLC, DPA, Holy Trinity, St. Anthony, Holy Spirit, and Sacred Heart. The Catholic United East teams are primarily composed of the students at Catholic Central partner schools including St. Thomas, SJDA, St. Paul, IHM, and SJV. Then there are ‘swing schools’ at All Saints Academy and St. Patrick (Parnell) where participation varies from location to location. Any player can play for either United team no matter what school they attend.

 

The football program is split up into three levels - 5th/6th grade combined, 7th grade, & 8th grade.  The 7th graders from the west side form a team and the 7th graders from the east side form a team and enter the league as two separate teams. The same thing is done at the eighth grade level. This allows students to play against other kids in the same grade, which we think is great for a development standpoint. The 7th and 8th grade seasons are seven games long with games played on Wednesday nights starting after Labor Day.

 

The CUW 5th/6th grade teams are a part of the Northern Rocket Football League (NRFL). The CUE 5th/6th grade teams are now a part of the West Michigan Youth Football League, WMYFL and CUW is in the WMJFL. The location of the different programs in each league aligns well geographically for the families we serve throughout the Diocese. Teams at the 5th/6th grade level are split based on data the leagues require - mainly grade, weight, and years of tackle football experience (you will notice this info is required during registration). The league takes the data we provide and spits out two equal teams based on excel formulas to create as balanced teams as possible. A pool of 40 players would be split into 20 players on each team. The season is seven games long with games played on Saturdays starting after Labor Day.

 

West Catholic High School is the headquarters for the 5th-8th grade Catholic United West football teams. All home games will be held at West Catholic.  Practices can be held there as well, but typically Holy Spirit is utilized. For the Catholic United East teams, both the CAT and IHM will be utilized. All home games for 5th-8th grade CUE teams will be played at the CAT at either Cougar Stadium or Gardiner Field. The 5th/6th grade CUE teams will practice at the CAT, while the 7th & 8th grade teams will practice at IHM. All levels of the Catholic United football program will follow league rules regarding practice time allowed. Once the games begin, 5th/6th graders typically practice on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday nights and games on Saturday. The 7th & 8th grade teams will be practicing on Monday & Tuesday, game on Wednesday, and then a mild practice on Thursday. The Wednesday night games for the 7th & 8th graders typically start at 6:30 pm while the majority of 5th/6th grade games on Saturday are played anywhere from 9:00 am - 3:00 pm, although there have been a few exceptions with later games.

 

Using the Catholic United model for football, specifically at the 5th/6th grade level, creates a unique opportunity for the student-athletes. Since the teams are divided based on the three data points (grade, weight, years of experience), students from the same school may find themselves playing with some of their classmates, but probably not all of them. This is a great way that we bring the families from all over the Diocese together and students can meet new teammates that attend a different school. While classmates may be split up, we try to keep everything as logistically as possible by practicing at the same times and locations, playing home games back to back, etc. so that families can still carpool and coordinate their efforts. Every effort will be made to keep siblings on the same team.

 

GRACEAC will be providing a football helmet, shoulder pads, uniform top, and practice jersey top. All items must be returned at the end of the season. Parents must provide game/practice pants. For CUE players, the pants must be gold. For CUW players, the pants must be black. We highly suggest purchasing football pants that have the pads ingrained already in them. You may want to consider buying two pairs. We will help direct you to local people who sell these products if you are in need. Parents must also provide cleats, socks, and a mouthpiece. We will help direct you to local people who sell these products if you are in need. The first week of practice is helmet and shorts only. We will update you when equipment distribution dates are announced.

Each participant must be registered via TeamSnap, which GRACEAC uses for league/team management. This will be the main tool where you can find your team schedule, roster, and communicate with the coach and other members of the team. All appropriate paperwork must be on file at your school including an updated physical, concussion acknowledgement form, and any other requirements your school may have. Please make sure this is taken care of before the start of the first practice.

 

Practice Locations

• Catholic United West
  • West Catholic High School - 1801 Bristol Ave NW Grand Rapids, MI 49504
    • Meet at practice field - north of Falcon Stadium
  • Holy Spirit - 2222 Lake Michigan Drive NW Grand Rapids, MI 49504
    • Football Field on top of hill behind school/church
  • Catholic United East
    • The CAT (5th/6th Grade) - 2770 Knapp Street Grand Rapids, MI 49525
      • Meet at grass field surrounded by Leffingwell, parking lot, and The CAT
    • IHM (7th & 8th Grade) - 1951 Plymouth SE Grand Rapids, MI 49506
      • Football field along Plymouth Ave

Home Games

• Catholic United West
  • West Catholic High School
• Catholic United East
  • The CAT: Cougar Stadium (7th & 8th grade) & Gardiner Field (5th/6th)