Frequently Asked Questions

Summer Football Frequently Asked Questions

Parents and guardians, please read this entire page as it contains important information:

Q: What age divisions are offered during the summer season?

A: During the summer season, we will have tryouts for 8U, 9U, and 10U. If we do not have enough participants for a certain age group, we will try and recruit. If we are unable to fill the team we will not move forward with that particular age group for the Summer.

For clarity whatever age your player is on July 1st, 2025 is the age group they will play in.

Q: When does practice start and how many hours do the players practice?

A: The first day of summer season practice is April 6th. A practice schedule will be handed out at tryouts on March 30th. Each practice will last 2 hours.

Q: Where are football practices held?

A: Practices are held at different locations local to the Tri-Cities. They will be listed on the practices schedule presented at tryouts.

Q: What is the last day to register for the summer season?

A: The last day to register for the summer season is April 6th.

Q: How many games will be played during the summer season?

A: There will be 3 tournaments and likely 2 scrimmages during the summer season.

Q: When and where are games played? How long does the summer season last?

A: We will play in 3 summer tournaments:

We will also have a scrimmage date or two in between where we scrimmage other travel teams. These games will be roughly 2 hours or less away. The summer season will start on March 30th with tryouts (located at Winged Deer Park in Johnson City, TN; no equipment needed besides t-shirts, shorts, cleats, and water) and end on July 13th. The summer season will not interfere with local rec leagues that have rules against travel ball during the fall.

Q: What is the cost to register for 2025 season football, and what does it include?

A: The cost to register for the 2025 season is $500. This will include all Smokies tournaments, insurance, two fully stitched uniforms (top and bottom), sports bag, sports under shirt, and full team sweat suit. At no additional cost, the Smokies Organization offers each player a 2024 model or newer Riddell SpeedFlex helmet and shoulder pads to ensure player safety.

Q: I already have equipment for my player, is there a discounted fee?

A: No, the fee required to be a member of the Smokies does not cover equipment. Equipment is provided through the Smokies Organization as a guarantee of player equipment safety regulations required by our insurance. If your equipment is certified and matches the team's color profile you can use your own equipment if you prefer. It must be approved by Dexter Partin before use.

However, if you want to use Smokies equipment and sell your equipment to recoup some of your expenses we can help with that. We have connections with local sports teams in need of equipment. Just let us know.

Q: As a parent, how can I contribute?

A: Parents will be asked to assist with the transportation of the player, game day tasks such as chains for gameplay or team snacks if requested, help with fundraising, and lots of excitement and positive encouragement to the players. Please contact us directly to discuss or speak to a board member for more information.

Q: How can I become a Smokies Football Coach? What is required to coach or volunteer?

A: If you would like to coach or volunteer please contact Dexter Partin via the contact info on the website or send an email to smokiesyouthfootball@gmail.com.

All coaches and volunteers, regardless of position, are required to pass a background check. This is required of all volunteers that provide regular service and/or have repetitive access to youth participants.

Q: Whom should I contact if I have additional questions about football registration?

A: Please contact Dexter Partin via the contact info on the website or send an email to smokiesyouthfootball@gmail.com

Our focus has always concentrated on developing well-rounded athletes who learn not only the fundamentals of football, but also the importance of education in an atmosphere conducive to developing sound character and having fun!

Together, lets create LEGACIES!