About Us

The New Canaan Youth Football (NCYF) organization offers tackle football for 3rd-8th Grades.  The NCYF Family has a long and rich history! While NC Youth and HS football are some of the best football programs in the state of Connecticut, including numerous college football players, two current NFL players and a 2X Super Bowl Champion, Our program is focused on the great values of hard work, commitment, and determination, along with the friendships and experiences football develops for our young men and families.

Our goal is to teach the fundamental concepts and techniques of football, instill character and good sportsmanship and adhere to a safety first approach. We strive to provide a positive experience in football for all participants. Our core tenants are:

Safety:  Always FIRST, keeping the head out of football by learning safe blocking and tackling techniques.

 Hard Work:  We always outwork the other team, we never quit.

 Accountability:  The dedication, dependability, and responsibility to meet challenges, do what is right, adhere to high standards, and lead by example.  

Commitment:  Spirit of determination, hard work, discipline, and resilience that defines us and our Team.

 Team:  Every player is important, has potential and has a role, but the team is first.

 Make friends and have fun!

All of our coaches are volunteers who commit hundred of hours to our children. They are certified through USA Football, which requires extensive football fundamental course work and safety training.  Our volunteer coaches bring incredible knowledge and passion to support and teach our youth players. 

As a non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization, NCYF is proud to be accessible to all by keeping registration fees low and providing equipment. We continue to provide quality coaching development and certification, updated equipment, CPR training, the hiring of professional trainers at all practices and games, camps and overall safety.

Lou Marinelli (Head NCHS Varsity Football Coach), his coaching staff and players are very involved in training our volunteer coaches and are very hands on with our youth teams whether it be camps in the off season or practices during regular season. The vision is to create one team to further develop New Canaan’s football pride and teach them the rewards of the game of football which is like no other sport.