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Gridiron Football - Turlock Complex


Empowering Toddlers Through Organized Sports and Positive Role Models




The Active Tikes Program provides a tailored approach for toddlers aged 3-4, introducing them to organized sports in a fun, supportive environment. At this crucial stage of development, physical, social, and cognitive growth all work together to shape a child's early experiences with teamwork, problem-solving, and fitness. This program emphasizes non-competitive play, focusing on building confidence and enthusiasm through sports while integrating the guidance of community role models.


The Importance of Organized Sports for Toddlers

Physical Development
  

At the age of 3-4, children are at a prime stage for building fundamental motor skills. Introducing sports such as flag football not only helps them refine gross motor skills like running, jumping, and throwing but also promotes the development of balance, agility, and coordination. These skills are essential not just for sports, but for everyday activities that contribute to their physical independence.

Research shows that physical activity during the early years improves cardiovascular health and promotes muscle and bone growth. Active Tikes encourages structured physical activity through games and drills designed for young children, ensuring they remain engaged while getting the exercise they need for a healthy lifestyle.

Social and Emotional Benefits

Organized sports offer more than just physical advantages; they are also critical for social and emotional growth. At this age, children are beginning to learn how to communicate with peers, share, take turns, and cooperate. Active Tikes fosters these skills by incorporating group activities that require teamwork and collaboration. This socialization helps children develop emotional intelligence, including empathy and patience—skills that are fundamental for their success in school and beyond.

By learning to follow simple rules, communicate with their teammates, and manage emotions, toddlers develop a sense of self-discipline and emotional regulation. This early exposure to teamwork teaches them how to handle challenges and navigate social situations, promoting resilience and adaptability.

Cognitive Development

Physical activity is closely linked to cognitive growth, especially in young children. Studies indicate that active play can improve a toddler’s ability to focus, solve problems, and develop critical thinking skills. Active Tikes uses games that challenge children to think on their feet, make quick decisions, and follow multi-step instructions—activities that improve memory, attention span, and overall cognitive development.

Additionally, the integration of learning concepts (like counting, colors, and spatial awareness) into sports activities further enhances the educational aspect of the program. For example, toddlers may be asked to count the number of steps they take during a drill or identify the colors of the cones they run between, reinforcing early math and cognitive skills while keeping them physically engaged.

Role of Positive Community Role Models

Why Role Models Matter:

Having positive role models is especially impactful for young children, who are highly impressionable during the early years. In the Active Tikes program, local youth and community figures serve as coaches and mentors, setting an example for children to follow. Seeing older children and trusted community members engaging in healthy, active play helps reinforce positive behaviors and attitudes

Research suggests that children who are exposed to positive role models in early childhood develop greater self-confidence and are more likely to adopt similar behaviors, such as respect, teamwork, and perseverance. These role models not only guide children in learning sports skills but also demonstrate essential life values like kindness, sportsmanship, and fair play.

Creating a Safe, Supportive Environment

The presence of trusted community role models contributes to a safe and supportive environment, where children feel secure to explore, take risks, and learn. The non-competitive nature of Active Tikes ensures that children are never overwhelmed by pressure to perform, allowing them to develop a positive relationship with sports and physical activity from an early age. This type of environment encourages children to feel comfortable trying new things, knowing they have the support of their coaches, mentors, and peers.

Fostering Long-Term Development Through Fun and Play

Building Confidence and Resilience

The Active Tikes program is designed to build children’s confidence through success in simple, fun tasks. Each week, the children are introduced to new sports-related skills in an engaging, low-stakes environment where progress is celebrated, not competition. This helps toddlers develop a growth mindset—the belief that abilities can improve with practice—while simultaneously building resilience in facing small challenges

Children who participate in organized sports at a young age tend to develop a stronger sense of self-worth and confidence that extends beyond the field. They are more likely to view themselves as capable learners, making them more willing to take on challenges both in and out of school.

Promoting Lifelong Healthy Habits

Introducing sports early in a child’s life helps establish a positive relationship with physical activity that can last a lifetime. Active Tikes emphasizes the fun aspects of movement, making sure children associate exercise with joy and play. By developing healthy habits at a young age, children are more likely to stay active as they grow, reducing the risk of obesity and other health issues later in life.

Supporting Parents in Encouraging Active Play

Engaging Parents in the Process

Parents play a vital role in reinforcing the skills and behaviors children learn in the Active Tikes program. Encouraging active play at home can significantly enhance the benefits of the program. Whether it’s kicking a ball in the backyard or playing a game of catch, parents can model healthy behavior and help their children practice the skills they’ve learned during the week.

Additionally, by participating in local organized sports like Active Tikes, parents are provided with structure and support, ensuring that their child receives the right balance of physical, social, and cognitive stimulation. The involvement of role models and special guests in the program also fosters a sense of community, allowing parents to network and build relationships that can enhance their child’s overall development.


Registration Listing

Youth Fall Flag 2024: Regional Sports Complex

Get ready for an exhilarating flag football season at Turlock Regional Sports Complex! Whether your child is just starting out or is a seasoned player, our league offers a fantastic way to enjoy the game of football—without the contact.
📍 Venue: Turlock Regional Sports Complex, behind Pitman High School

Important Dates:

  • 10/11: Free Combine Event
  • 10/12: Registration Closes
  • 10/28: Uniform Distribution
  • 11/2: Preseason Double Header
  • 11/16: Weeks 1 & 2 Double Header
  • 12/7: Weeks 3 & 4 Double Header
  • 12/14: Weeks 5 & 6 Double Header
  • 12/15: Playoffs & Championships


Divisions and Details:


4U Active Tike:
This introductory division for 3 and 4-year-olds focuses on engaging children with organized physical activities and social experiences. Each week introduces new skills through a purpose-built curriculum, led by community youth role models and special visitors. This non-competitive program emphasizes fun and positive role models, helping children get excited about sports in a supportive environment.
**There will be NO Double-Headers for this Division and the price is dropped from $155 to $99**

6U, 8U, 10U, 12U 5v5 Coed Divisions:
All 5v5 divisions adhere to current CIF rules, ensuring a high standard of play and competition.

Prodigies OPEN 9-13u 7v7 Coed:
Open coed division for competitive 9-13 year olds. This division introduces 7v7 mechanics while maintaining a non-contact version of the CIF rules. It’s ideal for players looking to enhance their skills in a structured yet friendly environment.

7v7 High School Divisions:
All high school divisions adhere to current CIF rules, ensuring a high standard of play and competition.
15U Boys JV-Flag
15U Girls JV-Flag
17U Boys Varsity-Flag
17U Girls Varsity-Flag

18+ Coed 5v5: Our adult leagues are designed to be inclusive and family-friendly. This coed 5v5divisions adhere to current CIF rules, ensuring a high standard of play and competition., fostering a friendly, club-like atmosphere. Whether you’re a competitive player looking for more reps or just looking for a great workout, this league offers a fun and less aggressive play experience.
**Registration can be found for the 18+ & 55+ divisions at www.ActiveSynergyAcademy.com**

55+ Active: This division is perfect for those 55 and up looking to stay active. It includes fun, organized physical activities in a family-friendly environment. We also aim to foster connections between the older and younger generations, integrating players into community activities and youth teams.
**There will be NO Double-Headers for this Division and the price is dropped from $155 to $99 and includes an athletic shirt instead of jersey**
**Registration can be found for the 18+ & 55+ divisions at www.ActiveSynergyAcademy.com**


How Turlock Gridiron is Different?

Our Passion and Innovation:

Awesome Selective Passionate Volunteers: Our league is powered by a dedicated team of volunteers who bring unparalleled enthusiasm and expertise to the field. These passionate individuals are committed to creating a positive, supportive environment for players of all ages. Our volunteers aren’t just helping out; they’re investing in the growth and enjoyment of every participant, ensuring a top-notch experience for everyone involved.

The New "Free Agent" System: Turlock Gridiron introduces an innovative draft system that ensures balanced and competitive teams. The draft starts with a randomized pick order. For each player request accepted by a coach, a round selection is lost, creating a more balanced team selection process. This system helps to level the playing field, so every player has a fair chance to contribute and succeed.

Special Combine Day: Our special combine day is a unique feature where players’ performance metrics are recorded. This data helps our volunteer coaches create balanced and competitive teams, ensuring that all players are placed in divisions where they can thrive. The combine is designed to assess skills in a fair, objective manner, contributing to a more enjoyable and equitable season.

Enhanced Registration Process: We've refined our registration process to include more detailed questions. This helps us better understand each player’s experience and skill level, which in turn assists us in balancing teams more effectively. Our goal is to ensure that every team is competitive and that every player has a fulfilling experience.

Coaches Clinic: To support our coaches, we offer a comprehensive clinic for all new coaches. This clinic provides training and resources to help coaches deliver the best possible experience for players. By investing in our coaches, we ensure they are well-prepared to lead their teams and foster a positive, engaging environment.

Varsity and JV High School Divisions: Our high school divisions adhere strictly to current CIF rules, ensuring a high standard of play and a fair, competitive environment. This commitment to CIF standards helps maintain the integrity and quality of the game, providing a challenging and rewarding experience for high school players.

Inclusive Divisions: Turlock Gridiron is dedicated to inclusivity. We offer divisions for all ages, from under-4s to adults, and even special needs divisions. Our goal is to ensure that everyone, regardless of age or ability, has a place in our league. This inclusivity fosters a sense of community and ensures that every participant can enjoy the benefits of playing flag football.

Coach Petition Process: Coaches now have the opportunity to submit petitions which are reviewed and voted on by the Advisory Committee. This process gives parents and coaches a direct role in shaping the league’s direction and decisions, ensuring that the league reflects the needs and desires of the community.

Parent Voice: We value the input of parents and are committed to ensuring they have a meaningful voice in league decisions. The league president is dedicated to incorporating parent feedback, creating a collaborative environment where your insights help shape the league’s future and enhance the overall experience for all participants.

Get ready for an exhilarating season packed with weekly fun events, exciting giveaways, and tons of prizes! This is your chance to enjoy the thrill of football in a fantastic, community-focused environment.

We’re thrilled to bring this electrifying flag football experience to the Turlock Regional Sports Complex
For more details and to register, click here. See you on the field!
Don’t miss out on this amazing chance to be part of something special. Register today and let’s make Fall 2024 unforgettable!

🏆 Turlock Gridiron Flag Football – Where Every Play Counts! 🏆


4u Active Tikes

Registration closes on 10/12/2024 at 12:00 AM
Season Dates: 11/02/2024 to 12/22/2024
Show Details
$99.00

Contact

Gridiron Football - Turlock Regional Sports Complex

 
Turlock, California  

Email: [email protected]
Phone: 209-618-3150

Contact Us

Gridiron Football - Turlock Regional Sports Complex

 
Turlock, California  

Email: [email protected]
Phone: 209-618-3150

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