Founded in 1958, our program is the longest-running youth sports organization in White Plains. For over six decades, we’ve served as a cornerstone of the community — a place where kids from kindergarten through 8th grade come to learn, grow, and compete through flag football, tackle football, and cheerleading.
We are a community-based, not-for-profit program built on the principles of respect, sportsmanship, teamwork, and discipline. We believe that sports are more than just a game — they’re an opportunity to build character and forge lifelong friendships.
Building Character. Forging Friendships.
• Flag Football (K–8th Grade): A fast-paced, fun, and inclusive program designed for all skill levels. Players develop fundamentals and game awareness in a safe, non-contact environment.
• Tackle Football (3rd–8th Grade): Competitive, age-appropriate football led by experienced coaches focused on fundamentals, safety, and teamwork.
• Cheerleading (1st–8th Grade): A spirited program that builds confidence, teamwork, and performance skills. Our cheerleaders support our teams and bring energy to every game day.
The Bernie Bowl is our signature annual event — a White Plains tradition held every fall to celebrate our athletes, coaches, and families. With roots dating back to our earliest days, the Bernie Bowl has been held every year except during the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s more than just a game day — it’s a community celebration and a symbol of our program’s legacy.
• A deep-rooted tradition that spans generations
• Dedicated volunteer coaches and mentors
• A focus on player development — on and off the field
• A welcoming, inclusive environment for all families
Our coaches are the heart of the program. All are dedicated volunteers — many of them former players, parents, and community members — who bring passion, experience, and commitment to every practice and game. We emphasize teaching fundamentals, promoting safety, and building character both on and off the field.
Every coach undergoes training, including certification in USA Football and other safety protocols. More than just coaches, they are mentors and role models who lead by example and help shape the next generation of leaders.
Registration for our upcoming season is now open!
Whether your child is new to the sport or ready to build on their skills, there’s a place for everyone in our program — flag football (K–8th), tackle football (3rd–8th), and cheerleading (1st–8th).
Spots fill quickly, so don’t wait —
Register Now to be part of something special.
Building Character. Forging Friendships. Since 1958.
• Bernies In-house Flag (K-1st Grade): In-house league
• Bernies Travel Flag (2nd Grade): Westchester Youth Football League
• Bernies Flag (3rd–8th Grade): Mad Dog Youth Flag League
• Bernies Tackle (3rd–8th Grade): Westchester United Football League
Tackle Eligibility:
• Placement is based on grade and weight
• Players may be moved up to the next division if they exceed weight limits
• Ball carrier weight limits:
• 95 lbs (Division 1)
• 120 lbs (Division 2)
• 145 lbs (Division 3)
League weigh-ins occur during the first or second week of September.
⚙️ Equipment (Tackle Only)
Each tackle player receives:
• Helmet (certified for current season)
• Shoulder pads
• Game pants
• Game jersey
• Mouthguard
Game gear is for games only. Lost/damaged equipment (outside normal wear) must be replaced at the family’s expense.
Equipment is distributed after the second week of practice and only once per week.
🏈 Tackle Practice Details
• Start Date: Third Saturday in August (August 18, 2025)
• Schedule: 3 days/week (typically Tue/Wed/Thu)
• Locations: Highlands Middle School or White Plains High School
• Length: About 1.5 hours
Dress Code:
• Pre-contact: shorts, light-colored t-shirt, rubber-soled cleats
• Full contact: t-shirt, shorts, protective cup, light-colored shirt or jersey over shoulder pads
⛔ No watches or jewelry during practices or games
Attendance:
• 3 practices required before a player can practice in equipment
• Players must attend practice to be eligible for the next game
• A note is required for any absence
🏃 Flag Football Info
• Grades: K–8
• Start: Wednesday after Labor Day (tentative: Sept. 3, 2025)
• Schedule: 1 weekday practice (~60 minutes)
• Location: Highlands Middle School
• Teams may opt to meet earlier by mutual agreement.
🎀 Cheerleading Info
• Grades: 1–8
• Start: Tuesday, September 2, 2025
• Schedule: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 6:30–8:00 p.m.
• Location: Ridgeway School Gym
🏟️ Scrimmages & Games
• Games typically begin mid-September
• Games are held on Saturdays or Sundays, based on field availability
• Each team is scheduled for at least 3 home games, including one night game
• League play wraps up in early November, followed by playoffs
• Scrimmages may be organized based on league/team interest
💰 Fundraising & Program Fees
• Your registration fee covers:
• League fees
• Supplemental insurance
• End-of-season awards
As a privately funded organization, donations help us recondition equipment and maintain a high standard of safety. Every contribution makes a difference.
NEW TO THE PROGRAM? START HERE
Welcome to The Bernies!
We’re excited to have your family join White Plains’ most storied youth sports program. Whether it’s your first season or your first sport, here’s a simple guide to get you started.
✅ 1. Pick Your Program
We offer three options for K–8th grade students:
• Flag Football (K–8):
Non-contact, beginner-friendly, fast-paced, and fun
• Tackle Football (3rd–8th):
Full-contact football with weight-based divisions, focused on safety and fundamentals
• Cheerleading (1st–8th):
High-energy, team-oriented program that supports our football teams and promotes spirit
✅ 2. Register Online
All registration is completed through LeagueApps — quick, secure, and mobile-friendly.
We recommend registering early to help with team formation, gear distribution, and scheduling.
✅ 3. Know the Key Dates
• Tackle Practice Begins: August 18
• Flag & Cheer Start: Early September
• Equipment Handout (Tackle): Late August
• Games Begin: Mid-September
• Bernie Bowl: October 11
See the full schedule: Key Dates
✅ 4. What to Expect
Tackle players receive: helmet, pads, mouthguard, jersey, pants
You’ll need to provide: cleats, protective cup, practice gear
Flag players receive: team shirt, flags
Cleats optional but recommended
Cheerleaders receive: uniform, poms, and practice shirt
✅ 5. Communication
We use LeagueApps for all team communication, schedule updates, and program info. Be sure your contact info is up-to-date when you register!
✅ 6. Get Involved
We’re a volunteer-driven program — coaches, team parents, game day helpers, and fundraising support all play a vital role.
Let us know during registration if you’d like to get involved — we’d love to have you on board!
Still have questions?
Reach out to us at apb.wpberniesfootball@gmail.com. We’re here to help and can’t wait to welcome you to the Bernies family!