Cleveland to Host Citywide Youth Football and Cheerleading Program
Cleveland is preparing for a citywide youth football and cheerleading season through a new partnership between the Department of Parks and Recreation and the Northeast Ohio Muni Football League. Under emergency ordinance 618-2026, the city has authorized the Director of Parks and Recreation to enter into a contract to provide these organized athletic opportunities for local youth throughout 2026.
What's in the file
The ordinance authorizes a contract with the Northeast Ohio Muni Football League (also known as the Cleveland Municipal Football Association, doing business as the Cleveland Muni Football League) to conduct a citywide youth football program. According to the 618-2026-Legislative Summary-Muni Football, the program is intended to provide a supervised and safe environment for youth to participate in football and cheerleading while promoting sportsmanship, physical fitness, and scholastic achievement. The legislation also aims to assist in combating juvenile delinquency by supporting the physical and emotional well-being of young athletes.
Key details of the program include:
- Funding: $160,000 (sourced from RQS RL2026000000032)
- Age Divisions: - Termites: ages 6-7 - Juniors: ages 8-7 - Peewee: ages 10-11 - Bantam Weights: ages 13-14
- Schedule: Games are played on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays beginning at 9:00 a.m., with weekday practices at designated sites.
- Game Locations: John F. Kennedy, Robert Bump Taylor, James F. Rhodes, Luke Easter Park, Central Catholic, John Marshall, Dwayne Browder Field, Collinwood Stadium, John Adams, and Benedictine.
Who may be affected
- Department of Parks and Recreation: Authorized to enter into the contract and oversee the program.
- Northeast Ohio Muni Football League: The contracted partner responsible for conducting the program.
- Local Youth: Children ages 6 through 14 participating in football or cheerleading.
Status and timeline
- May 8, 2026: The ordinance was introduced to City Council.
- June 1, 2026: The emergency ordinance passed.
Residents can verify all details regarding this contract and program by reviewing the official source record.
Source record
- File
- 618-2026
- Type
- Emergency Ordinance
- Status
- Passed
- Committee
- City Council
- Introduced
- May 7, 2026
Official documents
- 618-2026-K w Northeast Ohio Muni Football League aka Cleveland Muny Football Assn for city wide football
- 618-2026-Legislative Summary-Muni Football
- 618-2026 FINAL VERSION-CITY RECORD JUNE 12, 2026 PG. 33