MATRIX

MATRIX

Since its founding, the Northern Virginia Youth Football League (NVYFL), formerly the Fairfax County Football League (FCYFL), has been a national leader in providing the best environment for young athletes to play football. The league is built on a commitment to ensuring fair competition by matching players based on four key factors: size, age, experience, and skill. This structure, supported by a carefully crafted age/weight matrix and three levels of competitive play, prioritizes player safety, development, and enjoyment of the game.

For the 2025 season, NVYFL has adopted reforms to the age/weight matrix to further enhance the experience for all players. These adjustments include:

  • Limiting each division to three age groups instead of four to improve competition balance.
  • Providing more flexibility in weight limits to increase enrollment and participation.
  • Aligning players more closely with those of similar ages for safer and fairer matchups.
  • Adjusting the birthdate eligibility from October 1st to July 1st to better match players with their grade level.

These updates reinforce NVYFL’s mission of developing young athletes in a structured, safe, and competitive football environment.

ANKLEBITER DIVISION

  • Age 7: Unlimited weight
  • Age 8: Up to 95lbs
  • Age 9: Up to 55lbs

RISING STARS DIVISION

  • Age 8: Unlimited (must weigh at least 96lbs; max ball carrier weight 105lbs)
  • Age 9: 56lbs – 105lbs
  • Age 10: Up to 90lbs

JUNIOR DIVISION

  • Age 9: Unlimited (must weigh at least 106lbs; max ball carrier weight 115lbs)
  • Age 10: 91lbs – 115lbs
  • Age 11: Up to 100lbs

JUNIOR VARSITY DIVISION

  • Age 10: Unlimited (must weigh at least 116lbs; max ball carrier weight 125lbs)
  • Age 11: 101lbs – 125lbs
  • Age 12: Up to 110lbs

VARSITY DIVISION

  • Age 11: Unlimited (must weigh at least 126lbs; max ball carrier weight 140lbs)
  • Age 12: 111lbs – 140lbs
  • Age 13: Up to 125lbs

PREP DIVISION

  • Age 12: Unlimited (must weigh at least 141lbs; max ball carrier weight 185lbs)
  • Age 13: Unlimited (must weigh at least 126lbs; max ball carrier weight 175lbs)
  • Age 14: Unlimited (max ball carrier weight 165lbs)