About the East Chatham Chargers

The East Chatham Chargers Football & Cheerleading Association is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to developing character, promoting physical fitness, and encouraging academic achievement through youth athletics. We proudly offer football and cheerleading programs for children ages 5 to 14, serving over 200 young athletes from Chatham County and surrounding communities.

Our program is entirely volunteer-driven, with a dedicated team working year-round to make each season a success. As a self-funded organization, we rely on registration fees, gate admissions, merchandise and concession sales, as well as generous support from local businesses and individual sponsors who believe in our mission. Operating expenses include equipment purchase and upkeep, field rentals, insurance, league fees, game officials, storage, and more.

We are deeply grateful to all who support the Chargers — from our sponsors and volunteers to the families and fans who cheer us on each week. There are always opportunities to get involved, and we welcome new volunteers and sponsors with open arms. It’s hard work, but it’s also a lot of fun — and the reward is watching our athletes grow, thrive, and succeed.

Have questions or want to get involved? Reach out to us at [email protected].
Go Chargers!

East Chatham Program Offerings

We offer football and cheerleading programs for youth ages 5 to 14. Practice and game schedules vary by age group, and weight limits apply for certain football divisions. All athlete ages are determined as of August 1 of the current year.

Important Notes

• Overweight Allowance (OWA): Teams may have up to five (5) Overweight Allowance players active per game on offense and defense. These players may only play within tackle positions and are not permitted on special teams.

• Age Cutoff: An athlete’s age is determined as of August 1 of the current season.

🏈 Fall 2026 Football & Cheerleading Season

• Registration Opens: May 1, 2026

• Registration Closes: July 1, 2026 (FINAL day for any refunds)

• Scholarships: A limited number of need-based scholarships are available for registration fees.

📅 Practice Information

• Start Date: July 27, 2026

• Location: Briar Chapel Park, 1015 Andrews Store Road, Chapel Hill

• Duration: Practices continue throughout the season (September–mid-November).

• Schedule:

  • Tackle Football: Mondays, Tuesdays & Thursdays (Wednesdays used for weather make-ups)

  • Flag Football & Cheerleading: 2 days per week

  • Start Time: 6:00 PM

• Coaches will share complete practice schedules before the season begins.

🏟️ Game Details

• Season: Typically begins the Saturday after Labor Day and runs through mid-November (depending on playoffs)

• Schedule: Created by East Wake Football League (shared once finalized)

• Games: 4 home and 4 away games per season

• Home Field: Northwood High School, 310 Northwood High School Rd., Pittsboro, NC

🎉 Summer Camps

• Football and Cheerleading Camps will be held in June.

• Open to all community children—more information coming soon!

💰 Registration Fees & Equipment

Tackle Football Includes:

• Game pants, jersey, socks, helmet, and shoulder pads

• Helmet, shoulder pads, and game pants must be returned after the season

• Not included (required): Padded practice pants, cleats, mouthguard

• Optional items: Compression gear, practice jersey, water bottle, athletic supporter

• Game jersey is yours to keep!

Flag Football Includes:

• Game jersey, socks, and flags

• Not included (required): Cleats, black game shorts, mouthguard

• Optional items: Compression gear, practice jersey, water bottle

Cheerleading:

• Registration does not include the uniform cost (varies each year).

🧤 Equipment Pickup

• Equipment distribution days will be announced via email and social media.

• Please make every effort to attend—our program is 100% volunteer-run.

• A $225 deposit (check, cash, or credit card) is required upon pickup. 

🩺 Sports Physicals

• All athletes must have a valid sports physical that does not expire before November 29, 2026.

• Physicals can be completed through your doctor or at local high school events (dates to be announced).

🪪 Photo ID & Documentation

• Tackle Football: All players must have a valid photo ID (U.S. Passport,NCID, or Military ID).

  • Schedule DMV appointments early due to limited availability to get your NCID.

  • NCID, Passport or Military ID must be submitted prior to the first game for eligibility

• Cheerleaders: Must provide a copy of their birth certificate.

📢 Communication

• Program-Wide Updates will be shared via:

  • Email (to registered users)

  • Facebook & Instagram

📧 Questions?

Email us anytime at [email protected]