Milwaukee North Shore Youth Football Guide

Milwaukee's north shore communities offer robust youth football opportunities spanning all age groups, from introductory flag programs to competitive tackle leagues that feed into elite high school programs. The region benefits from strong community partnerships, professional coaching standards, and facilities that rival collegiate programs. Most communities either operate their own programs or partner with established regional organizations to provide comprehensive football development pathways.

Junior Knights (Nicolet School District)

Nicolet Jr. Knights Football serves as Fox Point, River Hills and Glendale's premier tackle football program, welcoming 5th through 8th graders residing in the Nicolet Partner School District. The program operates under USA Football Heads Up certification with coaches requiring annual certification, background checks, and CPR/AED training. Registration costs $215 with scholarships available through JrKnightsAAA@gmail.com.

Flag football for younger players operates through Jr. Knights programming, serving ages 5-7 with 7-on-7 games and fast-paced action. The program includes flag cheerleaders and emphasizes fun participation over competition.

New Girls Flag Football programming debuts in 2025 through Nicolet Recreation Department. The program joins established NFL North Shore Flag Football leagues serving 1st through 8th graders with 5v5 format and structured seasons.

Games and practices utilize Nicolet High School facilities (6701 North Jean Nicolet Road) and Richard E. Maslowski Glendale Community Park. The strong partnership with Nicolet High School creates clear pathways for continuing football through high school, with many Jr. Knights coaches having direct connections to the high school program.

Contact: Nicolet Recreation Department at (414) 351-7566 or nate.brooks@nicolet.us

Junior Dukes Football Program (Whitefish Bay)

Whitefish Bay Junior Dukes Football serves as the community's dedicated feeder program for Whitefish Bay High School, welcoming 5th through 8th graders in a comprehensive tackle football program. This organization operates within the Wisconsin All-American Youth Football League (AAYFL), providing competitive play against 38 other member organizations across southeastern Wisconsin.

Teams are organized by grade level with separate 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th grade teams, allowing age-appropriate competition and skill development. The program emphasizes fundamental football skills including blocking, tackling, passing, receiving, and strategic understanding of the game.

Contact: Whitefish Bay Blue Dukes Football at 1200 E Fairmount Ave, Whitefish Bay, WI 53217 or visit bluedukesfootball.com for registration and program information

Mequon football programs

Mequon-Thiensville Cardinal Football serves 5th through 8th graders as a 501(c)(3) all-volunteer organization. The program costs $300 with early registration (before April 1) and $350 after, with full refunds available minus $25 administrative fees if withdrawn before the second week of practice.

Practice occurs at Lemke Park (10301 W Donges Bay Rd) with games at Homestead High School and opposing fields throughout the Wisconsin All-American Youth Football League. The program begins practices around August 5th with Monday through Friday sessions from 5:30-7:30 PM.

Contact: Tom Price at tprice34@gmail.com or Recreation Department at (262) 238-7535

Regional football programs

Junior Hilltoppers Youth Football welcomes 5th through 8th grade boys from all schools in an elite tackle football program founded in 2009. Operating from Takton Field at Marquette University High School (3401 W Wisconsin Ave), the program runs early August through late October under the coaching of the WIAA Division 1 State Champion Hilltopper coaching staff. Summer camps provide additional development opportunities, typically running June 24-27 from 5:30-7:30 PM at a cost of $130. These camps offer direct instruction from the varsity coaching staff, providing premium training experiences for advancing players.

Junior Hilltoppers Flag Football serves 3rd and 4th grade boys during September and October at the same Takton Field location. This non-contact program focuses on motor skill development, balance, and hand-eye coordination through a specially crafted curriculum for younger players.

Greater Metro Milwaukee Youth Football League (GMMYFL) coordinates tackle football for middle school athletes across multiple north shore communities, allowing smaller organizations to combine players into competitive 5th-6th grade teams and separate 7th-8th grade teams. The league emphasizes life lessons, teamwork, and character development while maintaining competitive standards.

Wisconsin All-American Youth Football League (AAYFL) operates with 39 member organizations supporting 148 teams and over 7,000 players. The league's 43-year history provides proven developmental pathways with standardized rules and safety protocols across southeastern Wisconsin.

D1 Flag Football launches as Milwaukee's newest flag football league, based at MOSH Performance Center in Franklin with college football atmosphere including tailgate parties and coaching clinics. The program serves southeastern Wisconsin with innovative approaches to youth flag football development.

NFL Alumni camps operate at multiple Wisconsin locations including Brown Deer High School and Milwaukee County Sports Complex in Franklin. These camps serve boys and girls ages 6-14 with professional coaching and non-contact skills training, providing excellent summer development opportunities.

Regional coaching opportunities exist through USA Football certification programs, community volunteer positions, and established league coaching development. Most programs provide training and support for volunteer coaches while maintaining high safety and instructional standards.

Milwaukee's north shore communities provide exceptional youth football opportunities through a combination of community-specific programs and regional leagues that maintain high standards for safety, coaching, and player development. The Nicolet Recreation Department serves four communities efficiently, while Mequon-Thiensville operates the region's most comprehensive independent program with direct high school connections.

Registration for most programs opens in spring for fall seasons, with summer camps beginning registration in March-April. Costs typically range from $50-100 for flag football and $150-400 for tackle programs, with scholarships and financial assistance available through most organizations.