Below is the link to the St. Jude’s Sports Pilot Website.  To begin, you will need to create an account for your family. 

Sports Pilot Registration

Proud of Our Past – Focused on Our Future

St. Jude Football: For several decades the St. Jude football program has provided an environment where we are able to teach the fundamentals of football, focus on the meaning of teamwork, foster good sportsmanship, and promote physical fitness. Our mission is to provide a program that will not only build strong character within competition, but also extend that strength to the interaction with their faith and community.

If your child is interested in playing football with us and you have questions, please contact:
Chris Schwanenberger – St. Jude CYO Football Commissioner  

Cell – 740-215-4293 (call or text)

[email protected]

Cleveland Diocese CYO Football Structure

In 2018 CYO officials, of the Cleveland Diocese, finished a year-long study of the state of youth football. This was not limited to CYO Football but rather included a larger scope of various youth football programs. A decline in participation over the last six years drove the need for changing their approach. The discussion did not end with the study and it has continued with various focus groups, over the last two season, working together to further our sport. While they are committed to being flexible and adapting to future needs, the current structure (as seen below) is set and in place for the upcoming Cleveland CYO Football season:

Flag Football: Available for players in 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th grade.

Players in 1st and 2nd can combine for a team and players in 3rd and 4th can combine for a team. While it is our goal to have teams in each grade level, depending on registration numbers for each grade we may be required to combine as noted above. The level of play will always be driven by the grade level of the oldest player on the team.

Rookie Tackle: Available for players in 5th and 6th grade.

Rookie Tackle is a multi-point venture between Cleveland CYO, USA Football and the Cleveland Browns. It is a 7 vs 7 format, full equipment and tackling but on a shorter field. It also has modified rules of play, which among other things, encourages various positions of play for all athletes. While it is our goal to have teams in each grade level, depending on registration numbers for each grade we may be required to combine grade levels. The level of play will always be driven by the grade level of the oldest player on the team.

11 Man Tackle: Available for players in 7th and 8th grade.

Traditional 11 vs 11 format of football with full equipment and tackling. There are game participation requirements that are based grade level. While it is our goal to have teams in each grade level, depending on registration numbers for each grade we may be required to combine grade levels. The level of play will always be driven by the grade level of the oldest player on the team.

St. Jude will try to field a team at each grade level. However, in the event that we do not have enough players for a team we may ask if a player can move up a level (“playing up”), within the grade level restrictions outlined above, to round out a team. In some instances, we may be unable to field a team at a certain grade level and there may be no opportunity or allowance for playing up. In those instances, we will work to provide options or refund of registration to the player and family.

Coaches: We Need You!

We are always looking for volunteer coaches to help guide and lead our great players. cal

Faith and Football –  Stronger Together