Date of Registration
Registration will run through December 5th, 2017 and is open to all boys and girls grades kindergarten through 8th grade. We accept late registrations on an as available basis.
Program Cost:
Registration fees are Recreational = $100.00 Competition = $150.00
Fees cover the cost of t-shirts, insurance, facility costs.
Scholarships may be available for those who qualify. Check with the Littleton Parks and Recreation Department for details.
League Information:
We are part of the Central Massachusetts Youth Wrestling League (CMYWL) and will have the opportunity to compete in dual meets against other teams throughout the season. Current CMYWL Teams include: Littleton, Westford, Leominster, Algonquin, Fitchburg, Ashland and Lowell
There is also an end of year Central Mass Youth Wrestling Championship Tournament in which everyone is encouraged to wrestle.
Our Program consists of 2 levels:
1) Recreational: Kids who are trying the sport as an activity but are uncertain about participating in the competition. Participation includes one weekly practice, team scrimmages, and optional novice tournaments. Dual Meet and Tournament competition is optional. We highly recommend having one end of year league tournament.
2) Competition: Kids who are interested in competitive wrestling.
No experience necessary! All wrestlers will need the following equipment: wrestling shoes, headgear, a pair of black shorts, and the provided Littleton Youth Wrestling t-shirt. We recommend an LYW uniform (singlet, etc.) for those who decide to compete. We will provide information on how to acquire an LYW uniform will be provided after registration has closed.
***All wrestlers and their families will be invited to an end of season Pizza Party in February, location and time TBD.
Practices
Wrestlers should wear clean wrestling shoes and headgear for practices. Clean shoes are essential as the kids will be rolling around on the mats and any grit brought in by dirty shoes is a hazard for wrestling. For this reason, wrestling shoes should not be worn outdoors. We will provide LYW t-shirts with your registration. Do not wear clothing with zippers, snaps, or other metal attachments to practices or competition as these pose a safety risk. Please make sure to label all articles of clothing and equipment.
We encourage parents to help with practices. NO WRESTLING OR COACHING EXPERIENCE NECESSARY! If you want to volunteer to be a coach, PLEASE ask– we are happy to have you. We need help most before and after practice as we need to set up and break down the mats.
Wrestlers for both groups need to be ready to start practice (appropriate clothing, clean shoes on) at 6:30 PM.
***As always, snow days and school holidays can result in the facilities not being available. We may plan alternative practice sites during school vacation periods when possible.
Recreational Level Practice:
- Time: Tuesday 6:30 to 7:30 PM
- Dates: December 5th, 2017 – February 6th, 2018
- Location: Shaker Lane Gym, Shaker Lane Elementary School, Littleton, MA
***Please note that all practices are suitable for kids who are not interested in competition but want to learn/try the sport of wrestling. The coach may ask a participant to consider moving to the competition level or a wrestler who finds they like the sport can request consideration to move up.
Competition Level Practice:
- Time: Tuesdays and Thursday’s from 6:30 to 8:00 pm
- Dates: Competition practice has started and will run through February 8th, 2018
- Location: Shaker Lane Gym, Shaker Lane Elementary School, Littleton, MA
***Those competitors interested in post-season tournaments have the opportunity, at no extra cost, to participate in extended season practices that run through March to support those who qualify to wrestle in the Youth New England Tournament in March.
EVENTS and WEIGHT CLASSES
Competitions
Throughout the season our competition level team will be attending several tournaments. These are often very large events, in which several hundred wrestlers compete. Such tournaments tend to be extended day events (6 hours) in which kids are grouped by weight, age, and experience (to the extent known).
Weight Classes are custom made to suit competition
Typical Novice Age: (lbs), 40, 48, 54, 63, 69, 73, 77, 81, 86, 91, 97, 103, 111, 123, 138, 160 Typical Middle School Age: (lbs): 74, 81, 88, 94, 100, 106, 112, 118, 124, 130, 136, 143, 154, 169 , 188, 215, 250
Tournaments require separate entry fees that range between $10-20. Each participant pre-registers or pays at the door (depending on the tournament) individually. Many tournaments issue team awards, so it is important to have as many team members participating as possible.
Dual Meet Team
We are part of the Central Massachusetts Youth Wrestling League (CMYWL) and will be competing in dual meets against other teams in this league through the season. We encourage all kids both recreational and Competition to participate in our League competition as we match kids up by age and experience.
The places and times are to be announced. These will likely be on Saturdays and will last about 2-3 hours. Everyone will get a match even if just a scrimmage/ exhibition match. All competition level team members are required to attend and participate. The result is a TEAM win or loss.
Scrimmages
Scrimmages are a great way to get experience and some live action against teams from other towns. They are typically held on Saturday Mornings from 7 am -10 am. Kids can wrestle as many matches as they like. They are not nearly as long as tournaments, so that you may enjoy the rest of your day. All our wrestlers (K-8), regardless of experience level are required to participate in scrimmages. The amount of wrestling is per individual preference.
All scheduling and other detail of these events will be announced at practices and posted on our website.
Wrestling Gear
Wrestling is relatively inexpensive when it comes to the gear you NEED. If you’re just getting started, it’s good enough to just have a T-shirt, shorts, wrestling shoes and headgear for practice. You can purchase wrestling shoes at most sporting goods stores and they typically cost $15-$50. We will also have a shoe swap which will allow wrestlers to swap shoes with other members when they no longer fit.
Volunteers Wanted!
Littleton Youth Wrestling is an all-volunteer organization. We are much smaller than most of the other sporting programs in town but we are very active. We are currently looking for assistant coaches and volunteer board members. Being an assistant does not require you to have experience in wrestling, just a willingness to learn and help demonstrate some moves. All volunteers who interact with wrestlers need to complete a CORI form and turn it in at the Parks and Rec Department. (Click here to get a form and learn more). CORI form must be filled out in person at the Parks, Recreation, and Community Education office. CORI forms CANNOT be faxed, emailed, or mailed. Board members are required to participate in board meetings and facilitate the working of the wrestling program. Even if you don’t know a takedown from a half-nelson (and don’t want to know), you can help make our program successful.
To keep the program healthy and financially stable, we will organize several fundraising events each season. We also welcome your active participation in all other aspects of the LYW organization. There will be many opportunities to help out and get involved during the season. We appreciate your input and look forward to your involvement in making this a better program for all the kids!
Coach – James Kennedy
For more information contact us at jkennedy@mbateam.com or
Call my cell phone 978-590-1460