2026 Tackle Football
For more than 70 years, Helena Small Fry Football has provided the youth of the Helena area with a fun, structured and safe environment to learn the game of football; helping kids of all skills levels to learn and apply teamwork, sportsmanship, and mental and physical durability to their everyday lives. It is Helena Small Fry's mission to provide the opportunity to play football, to all kids who want to play.
Ages
This league is open to all kids in Helena, East Helena, Montana City and surrounding Montana towns entering grades 5th through 8th in the Fall of 2026.
When
The 2026 season begins mid-August and runs through mid-October.
Registration closes July 31st. Team placement will occur the first week of August. Practice begins the week of August 16th. You daughter's coach will reach out to you with specific details - practice times and locations are at the coach's discretion.
Where
For ease of travel, Helena Small Fry makes reasonable efforts to secure practice fields close to your home or athlete's school. Specific practice locations will be confirmed by your athlete's coach once team placements have occurred.
Practices
Helena Small Fry encourages tackle teams to practice at least 4-5 times a week, after the initial practice week. Practices should be no more than 2 hours per night. Practice locations and times are determined by the team's coach.
Games
A Games will be played on Saturday mornings, with the first games starting a 9 AM, at Ryan Fields in Helena. In most instances, B Games are played on either Monday or Tuesday in the evening at Ryan Fields. In some cases, a B Game may be played immediately following the Saturday A Game. The schedule is set by Helena Small Fry and subject to change.
Equipment and Cost to Play
Your athlete's Registration Fee includes the cost of their jersey and pants, rental of their helmet, guardian cap and shoulder pads (to be returned at the end of the season), team practice equipment, practice fields, referee fees, etc. Athletes are encouraged to wear cleats during play, which are not included in the cost of your registration.
Good Sportsmanship Expectations
Helena Small Fry partners with our local high school football teams to source referees for Saturday games. It is important for spectators, players and coaches to remember that the referees are high school student athletes. Without them, your athlete would not be able to play. They will make mistakes, and they will miss calls.
Helena Small Fry expects good sportsmanship demonstrated by all spectators, players and coaches at all times. Actions that violate acceptable principles of fair play, respect and good sportsmanship including verbal abuse, taunting, excessive celebration, fighting, or using obscene gestures towards the referees or other team will not be tolerated. Referees may remove any player, coach or spectator from a game who fails to respect the acceptable principles of fair play and demonstrate good sportsmanship.
Rules & Bylaws
The HSF league follows high school football rules, with minor rule modifications to suit the grade level playing. Specific rules for your athlete's grade and certain organizational procedures can be found under Helena Small Fry's Bylaws (linked below).
Volunteer to Coach
Do you love football? Are you looking for ways to have a meaningful impact on today's youth? We need you! Volunteer to coaches and help develop youth athletes into leaders through the game of football. No experience is necessary, and you don't have to have a child playing in the league! Background checks required.
Email Helena Small Fry to volunteer at HelenaSmallFry@gmail.com
Championship Game Sponsors
We're in need of local businesses interested in donating towards the Helena Small Fry program! Build your brand's recognition, audience engagement, impact your community and get a return on your investment through team sponsorship or donation. We are specifically looking for Championship Game Night Sponsors!
Email Helena Small Fry to sponsor a team at HelenaSmallFry@gmail.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: MY ATHLETE HAS NEVER PLAYED FOOTBALL; CAN THEY STILL SIGN UP?
A: Absolutely! We encourage kids to get involved as early as possible, but it's never too late to try a new sport. Keep in mind, football is a physical sport. Kids should be encouraged to attend all practices and maintain a positive attitude for continual skill development.
Q: WHAT DOES THE COMMITMENT LOOK LIKE?
A: Just like with any other sport, the more you practice, the better you'll play. The league plays 11v11, and team sizes will be comprised of roughly 20-30 athletes. We encourage coaches to practice at least four (4) to five (5) times a week, roughly 1.5-2 hours per practice. Because there is so much to learn and considering the important role your athlete will have on the team, it is important they attend as many practices as possible.
Q: I'D LIKE TO HELP COACH, BUT I'VE NEVER PLAYED FOOTBALL MYSELF; IS THAT A PROBLEM?
A: While playing football is helpful experience to have, we need adults, like you, willing to learn and be involved in making this league a success. No experience is necessary to coach, however the league requires all coaches pass a background test and complete USA Football online safety and training classes.
Q: MY ATHLETE WANTS TO PLAY, BUT MY FAMILY HAS SOME FINANCIAL CONSTRAINTS; ARE THERE SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE?
A: Please email HelenaSmallFry@gmail.com to explore scholarship opportunities.
2026 Tackle Football
Register your athlete to participate in Helena Small Fry Football's Tackle Football League HERE! Your registration fee covers expenses associated with participating in the league, such as field use, officiants, equipment and jerseys.
If you have questions please email HELENASMALLFRY@GMAIL.COM