Livonia Blue Jays Youth Football Program Opens 2026 Season with August 3 Practice Start

For Livonia families trying to coordinate August child care, work schedules and fall activities, the Blue Jays' season arrives quickly: practice begins Aug. 3, three weeks before the first game on Aug. 23. Players must have their sports physicals uploaded by the first day of practice.

The program, part of the Livonia Junior Athletic League, serves youth in the Livonia or Clarenceville school districts. Football players are placed according to the grade they will enter in the upcoming school year rather than by age alone. The program has four divisions: Flag for first and second grades, Freshman for third and fourth grades, Junior Varsity for fifth and sixth grades, and Varsity for seventh and eighth grades.

For working families, the biggest logistical consideration is the practice schedule. The Blue Jays typically hold five practices a week, Monday through Friday, during the season. Preseason practices commonly begin at 5:30 p.m., with players expected to arrive 15 minutes early.

August offers little in the way of a slow start. Picture day is scheduled for Aug. 14 during practice at Bentley Field. Once games begin, players should arrive at the field at least an hour before kickoff for warm-ups and weigh-in. Several away-game notices also call for a 9 a.m. early weigh-in at the opposing school.

The season can stretch into November. The first playoff round is scheduled for Oct. 24 or 25, followed by the semifinals on Oct. 31 and the SMYFA Super Bowl championship Nov. 7 or 8. The year-end banquet is set for Nov. 22.

Families must also account for costs beyond the registration fee. Fall tackle football registration was $225 for those who paid by the May 31 deadline. After May 31, a $50 late fee raises the cost to $275. Before helmets are issued, families must provide a $250 work commitment and equipment deposit. That brings the upfront total to $525 for a family registering after the deadline, although the $250 deposit may be returned after the season if families complete their work commitments and return equipment clean. Payment plans were available only for fall football, with an initial payment due at registration and additional payments continuing through June 30.

Equipment adds another checklist for parents. Practice gear includes a helmet, mouth guard, shoulder pads, practice jersey, practice pants, socks and cleats; a cup is optional. For games, players need a helmet, mouth guard, shoulder pads, rib guard or girdle, game pants with pads, socks, cleats and a cup.

The program also relies on family labor to keep the season running. Each family must complete four volunteer spots during football season. Assignments can include working in the concession stand on game day, serving on the chain gang and helping with other league events. Taking one key volunteer position fulfills a family's requirement for the full season.

Those interested in serving as a Director, Coach or Key Volunteer can email [email protected]. The Livonia Blue Jays posted the full 2026 schedule and key dates on the official website at livoniabluejays.com.