Matteson Bears Parent Guide
Welcome to the Matteson Bears family! This guide is designed to help new parents and players understand what to expect during their first season with our program.
Programs We Offer
- Tackle Football: Ages 4-14, up to 8th grade
- Cheerleading: Ages 5-14, up to 8th grade
- Girls Flag Football: Ages 8-14
No tryouts are required, and families do not need to live in Matteson to join.
Registration Fees
| Program |
Registration Fee |
| New Tackle Football Player |
$450 |
| Returning Tackle Football Player |
$260 |
| Girls Flag Football |
$200 |
| Cheerleading |
$575 |
Parent Participation Fee: There is a $125 parent participation fee. Families can receive this fee back after completing 5 volunteer hours. This requirement is per family, not per participant.
Payment Plans: Payment plans are available.
Refund Policy: Registration fees are non-refundable.
What Is Included With Registration?
New Tackle Football Players
- Game jersey
- Game pants
- Game socks
- Helmet to keep
- Insurance
- League fees
- End-of-year activity
- Trophy
Returning Tackle Football Players
- Insurance
- League fees
- End-of-year activity
- Trophy
Girls Flag Football
- Uniform
- Insurance
- League fees
- End-of-year activity
- Trophy
Cheerleading
- Uniform
- Hair bows
- Competition fees, not including state competition
- Insurance
- League fees
- End-of-year activity
- Trophy
Practice Information
Practices are held within Matteson. Exact practice locations are not publicly communicated and will be shared with registered families through official team communication.
Typical Practice Days: Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday
Typical Practice Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
What Should Athletes Bring?
Tackle Football
When instructed, players should bring a helmet, mouthpiece, shoulder pads, practice pants, practice jersey, athletic supporter, cleats, and a water bottle.
Girls Flag Football
When instructed, players should bring a shirt, shorts, mouthpiece, cleats, and a water bottle.
Cheerleading
Cheerleaders should wear a shirt and shorts, bring a water bottle, hair in a upstyle (pony tail or pulled back) and should not wear jewelry.
Weather and Cancellations
Football is played rain or shine, and practices will also continue in the rain unless families are notified otherwise.
Weather updates and cancellations will be communicated through:
- GameChanger
- Email
- Text message
- Social media
Please do not assume practice or games are canceled because of rain. Always expect practice will still happen until official communication from the organization or your coach that practice is cancelled.
Equipment Information
Each new tackle football player receives a brand-new helmet to keep. Players may reuse that helmet until they outgrow it.
Parents should be aware that helmets need to be recertified every 2 years to ensure the helmet remains up to code and to keep the manufacturer warranty intact.
Parents are responsible for purchasing any required personal equipment not provided through registration.
View the Full Equipment List
Game Day Information
Game Days: Games are usually played on Saturdays or Sundays.
Home Game Location: Matteson Community Center
Arrival Time: Players are expected to arrive 1 hour and 30 minutes before game time.
Gate Fees
Some fields charge gate fees.
- Regular Season: $3 for kids and $5 for adults
- Playoffs: $5 for kids and $10 for adults
Please remember that game times are not an exact science. Games may start slightly early or slightly late. Everyone is working hard to keep the day moving without delays.
Roster participant are FREE
Parent Expectations
Parents are a major part of the success of the Matteson Bears. We ask all families to support the program, the athletes, the coaches, and the volunteers.
Volunteer Requirement
Parents are asked to complete 5 or more volunteer hours to receive the $125 parent participation fee refund.
Sideline Expectations
During games, parents should be fans, enjoy the game, and allow the coaches to coach.
Concerns or Issues
If a parent has a concern, they should first speak with their child's coach. Please allow a minimum 24-hour wait period from the time of the incident or concern before addressing the matter.
Communication
Email and GameChanger is the main platform used for team communication. Once rosters are posted, parents will receive an email requesting them to join their team on GameChanger.
Families should also check email, text messages, and social media for important updates.
Registration Contact: Derrick Stewart
Phone: 708-462-2878
Email: [email protected]
Certification and Requirements
Required certification documents may include:
- State ID or passport
- Birth certificate if the player is 14 and in 8th grade
Physicals are highly recommended.
Academic and Behavior Expectations
Athletes are expected to maintain a 2.5 GPA. Coaches may ask for progress reports during the season.
All athletes are expected to be respectful at all times.
What First-Year Families Should Expect
During the first week, families should expect high energy, fun, discipline, and learning.
The Matteson Bears are built on volunteers. Everyone in every program is giving back to our youth out of kindness, commitment, and love for the community. We ask families to give grace, understanding, and support throughout the season.
If you have the ability to help, please help. Volunteers are what make the program successful.
What Makes the Matteson Bears Different?
- Player development over winning
- Family atmosphere
- Experienced coaching staff
- Strong cheer program
- Girls Flag Football opportunities
- No residency restrictions
- Long-term athlete development
Our Core Values
- Respect
- Discipline
- Teamwork
- Leadership
- Sportsmanship
- Education
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my child need experience?
No. New players and cheerleaders are welcome.
Can girls play football?
Yes.
Can boys cheer?
Yes.
Can my child participate in multiple sports?
Yes. However, please keep in mind that football, flag football, and cheer are all very time-demanding activities.
What if my child misses practice?
Please communicate the absence directly with your child's coach.
What happens if it rains?
Game and practice are still on unless official communication is sent stating otherwise.
How do I become a volunteer?
You can sign up to volunteer during registration or speak directly with a coach.
Welcome to the Bears Family
We are excited to welcome you and your family to the Matteson Bears. Our goal is to develop young athletes through structure, discipline, teamwork, leadership, and community support.
Welcome to the Bears Family!
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