Clark Crusaders Leave Pop Warner, Join NJ-SYFL

CLARK, NJ — The Clark Crusaders have left Pop Warner and moved to the New Jersey Suburban Youth Football League (NJ-SYFL) for the upcoming 2017 season.

"We want you to know that this was not an easy decision after being with Pop Warner for so many years but feel that it is a better and safer way to go for our children at this time," Clark Recreation announced.

The switch was made for a number of reasons including:

• SYFL allows children of all ages and weights to play.
• All teams are grade appropriate - tackle starts at the third grade level.
• There are no kick offs and all teams start on the 35 yard line to start the game reducing injuries overall greatly.
• SYFL has a different weight/age matrix that allows bigger kids to stay within their age group and play football.
• At the 3rd, 4th and 5th grade level, coaches are on the field with the players instructing them and making sure everyone is playing in a safe environment.
• Gives families a longer summer as practice does not start until Aug. 15.
• Less travel as a majority of the opponents are located in or around Union County and some of those teams are teams the children will go up against if they choose to continue to play football at the High School level.

"We are very excited about this new alliance," Clark Recreation announced.

Registration will be held on March 21 and March 23 and also on May 16 and May 18. All nights of registration will be from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at 9 Reifel Street which is the practice field clubhouse behind Friendlies on Raritan Road.

(Image via Shutterstock)

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