What equipment does my player need for the season (FALL):
All flag levels are required to wear appropriate cleats (no metal) mouth guard. Boys K-4th Grade are required to have padded football pants; all other levels are athletic shorts or pants.
Footballs are provided to coaches by AHYAA.
Flags are provided by AHYAA.
Jerseys are part of the registration fee and are provided by AHYAA.
What equipment does my player need for the season (SPRING):
All levels are required to wear appropriate cleats (No metal), mouth guard and athletic shorts or pants.
Jerseys, footballs and flags will be provided by AHYAA
What days are games and practices (FALL):
Girls flag football games will be played on Monday nights or Saturday mornings with practices during the week at a time and location chosen by the head coach.
Boys flag football and 7v7 will be played on Thursday nights or Saturdays with practices during the week at a time and location chosen by the head coach.
What days are games and practices (SPRING):
Both boys and girls will have their games Sunday’s with location TBD.
Practices during the week will be chosen for date and time by head coach.
How are teams divided (SPRING & FALL):
Teams are divided by grade level, school and/or geographical location.
The leadership team does their best to accommodate the single friend/coach request but cannot guarantee placement based on the request.
Girls divisions will be combined 3/4, 5/6 and 7/8.
Boys K-4 will remain their own single grade divisions.
Boys 7v7 will be divided 5/6 and 7/8.
When are registration periods (2026):
Spring 7v7 All Grades – February 1st – March 21st.
Fall All Grades – April 1st – July 5th.
If late registration occurs, you will be placed on the team with immediate need, friend request and location may not be accepted.
When is first practice (2026):
(Spring 2026) – After April 6th.
(Fall 2026) – After July 27th.
When is the first game and game schedule released:
(Spring 2026) Schedule and teams will be released on or before April 5th. Games start April 19th through May 31st.
(Fall 2026) Schedule and teams will be released July 27th. Games start August 22nd through October 30th.
(Fall ONLY) – Playoffs to be scheduled after week of 10.10.
What is volunteering for in registration:
When you sign up for volunteering, you will be assigned by the head coach to work the chains, scoreboard, field setup and/or field breakdown.
Where are games played (FALL):
Monday and Thursday night games are played at Sunset Meadows under the lights.
Saturday games will be played at Pioneer Park.
(Fall 2026) – There will be change for one or more “away” games in neighboring towns
Where do I purchase Cowboys gear:
Please visit the Arlington Cowboys social media platforms for direct links to the Cowboys spirit wear.
About the Arlington Cowboys Program....
The Arlington Cowboys program teaches our players sportsmanship, discipline, leadership, and fitness in the setting of a community that truly embraces the character-building experience of youth football. We are proud to deliver this experience to our players' families in a highly cost-effective manner.
Tackle football is available for kids in grades 3rd – 8th.
Flag football (9 v 9) is available for both boys and girls Kindergarten – 4th.
Girls ONLY Flag Football (7 v 7) is available for girls 3rd – 8th.
7v7 Boys Passing is available for grades 5 & 6th.
Tackle Football - The Cowboys Tackle program is part of the BGYFL (www.bgyfl.org), with half of its games played in AH, and the remainder played on a BGYFL town field. Tackle games are scheduled on Saturday and Sunday at various times throughout the day.
Within some BGYFL limits, non-residents may play in the Cowboys program.
Flag Football - The Cowboys Flag program is a “house program” with teams playing against other AH Cowboys teams. The league is organized with players in the same neighborhood and/or school when possible.
History and Mission - Established in 1964, the Arlington Cowboys football program is in its 61st year serving the youth of Arlington Heights. The Cowboys are a program of the Arlington Heights Youth Athletic Association (AHYAA). 2026 marks the 12th year of our successful association with the Bill George Youth Football League.
Our mission is to give players an experience that will be rewarding and beneficial well beyond their Cowboy years. Cowboy participants in the past treasure great memories of their playing years, and many of those past players now have children of their own playing Cowboy football.
Volunteering and Parent Expectations - The Cowboys are a volunteer-based organization that needs the involvement and participation of as many people as possible to work. We welcome participation from any person who is willing and able to offer their time to the program. We will ensure the future of this outstanding program through participation from within our community. Besides coaching, some fun ways to get involved and get to know the kids and parents are through volunteering at the concession stand, helping to keep score at the games, and organizing Cowboys events.
