Why Join Us? Get to Know Our Program Today!
SSA | A Youth Feeder Program…
SSA Seahawks Youth Football is a PHS boosters recognized feeder program designed specifically for athletes in elementary and middle school who are eager to learn the fundamentals of football and develop their skills in this dynamic sport. This program not only serves as a foundation for aspiring players but also prepares them thoroughly for the athletic level at Peninsula High School in Gig Harbor, WA. Through a combination of engaging practices, teamwork and exercises, our athletes will build confidence, improve their physical abilities, and foster lasting friendships, ensuring a strong transition into high school football. Emphasizing both discipline and commitment, Seahawks Youth Football aims to cultivate a passion for the sport while equipping athletes with the tools they need for success at the next level.
Participation in Seahawks Youth Football does not guarantee placement on any high school team. While we do work with high school coaches and booster programs, Seahawks Youth Football is not a district run program. We operate independently from Peninsula School District and it’s schools. Seahawks Youth Football is run entirely by parent volunteers.
SSA | Seahawks Youth Football Programs
FALL | TACKLE & FLAG FOOTBALL
In Fall we participate in the West Sound Youth Football League (WSYFL). Kids in Kindergarten through 8th grade can join to play tackle and flag football. Our flag team, for K/1st grade, is offered based on coach availability and registration numbers. We practice 3-4 days a week during the season, which will change when school starts. Practices begin at the end of July, and games are on Saturdays in the Fall, with optional conditioning in early summer. All games are located this side of the Narrows Bridge!
FLAG | K – 1st grade
TACKLE | 1st -8th Grade
Click the link below to learn more and register through our parent organization, SSA.
WINTER | FLAG FOOTBALL
While we don’t have this option yet, we are actively exploring the possibility and hope to get Winter flag teams running through SYF in 2027. This initiative would not only enhance our tackle game but would provide an opportunity for our talented individuals to showcase their skills. Sign up for our newsletter at the bottom of this page for updates as we finalize the details send out announcements.
Who We Are: Building a Brighter Future for Seahawks Youth Football
At Seahawks Youth Football, we believe football is more than a game—it’s a discipline, a teacher of character, and a powerful platform for developing confident, resilient young athletes.
We are proud to serve as an officially recognized PHS Boosters youth feeder program for Peninsula High School athletics, offering football players in grades K–8 a structured, positive, and development-focused pathway. Our goal is not just to prepare athletes for the next season, but to equip them for the next level—on and off the field.
Our mission is simple: develop strong athletes, strong teammates, and strong young leaders—on and off the field.
Our Standards: Safety, Discipline, and Growth
We hold ourselves—and our athletes—to high standards, because excellence is built early.
At Seahawks Youth Football, that means:
- Athlete safety first, with age-appropriate instruction, proper equipment, and emphasis on fundamentals. We will also have guardian caps for tackle to help prevent concussions.
- Sound football fundamentals, including tackling, blocking, footwork, and football IQ
- Positive coaching and mentorship, focused on confidence, resilience, accountability, and effort
- Clear expectations around attendance, preparation, sportsmanship, and respect
- A team-first culture, where every athlete matters and success is shared
We believe structure creates freedom—when athletes are taught the game the right way, they play faster, smarter, and with confidence.
A Clear Pathway to the Next Level
One of the defining features of Seahawks Youth Football is our intentional alignment with the high school program.
We actively collaborate with:
- Peninsula High School football coaches
- High school booster leadership
- School-aligned football standards and expectations
This alignment allows us to:
- Teach foundational skills, terminology, and systems used at the high school level
- Reinforce consistent technique and expectations across age groups
- Help athletes understand what it takes to succeed as they advance
Our goal isn’t to rush development—it’s to build it the right way, so when athletes reach high school football, they arrive prepared, confident, and ready to contribute.
Investing in the Future of Our Athletes
We see youth football as a long-term investment in our community.
That means:
- Building confidence, discipline, and leadership at a young age
- Teaching responsibility, teamwork, and perseverance
- Encouraging healthy, active lifestyles
- Fostering pride in representing the Seahawks and our schools
Every practice, every drill, and every game is an opportunity to help our athletes grow—not just as football players, but as young citizens of our community.
Join Us
If you’re looking for a program that values development over shortcuts, character alongside competition, and team culture as much as wins, Seahawks Youth Football is the place for you.
🏈 Football Registration is open now
👦👧 Open to athletes in grades K–8
📅 Optional Summer Conditioning begins in early summer. Season Practices begin in late July and run through early-mid November.
Together, we’re building something special—one athlete, one team, and one future at a time.
Together We Soar. 11 as 1.
MEET OUR COACHES
David Bailey | 8th Grade TACKLE Coach
Coach David Bailey (current SYF President) grew up playing football in the grass capital of the United States—near Eugene, Oregon—where he starred as a strong safety and quarterback. A lifelong football fan, he earned all-state honors and competed in the Oregon East–West Shrine Game before continuing his education at Cal Poly and later graduating from medical school at OHSU. After starting a family and serving his country in the United States Air Force, Coach Bailey is proud to be permanently rooted in Gig Harbor with his wife — a Peninsula High School graduate whose family has deep local ties. He brings a lifelong love of the game, discipline, and service to everything he does on and off the field.
Jon Scholer | 7th Grade TACKLE Coach
Coach Jon Scholer is a lifelong Gig Harbor athlete and coach with a deep commitment to developing young players both on and off the field. A dedicated mentor, he believes in nurturing not just athletic skills but also life skills that will benefit his players in their future endeavors. A graduate of Gig Harbor High School, Jon played football there and built the foundation for a coaching philosophy centered on discipline, teamwork, and character. His approach includes fostering an environment where players are encouraged to push their limits, learn from mistakes, and celebrate their successes together as a team.
Zach Abraham | 6th Grade TACKLE Coach
Coach Zach Abraham grew up in Gig Harbor, where he built resilience as a young man, playing youth football during the early 90s. His football journey continued at Bellarmine Prep, culminating in his graduation in 2000. Zach then pursued higher education at PLU, where he played linebacker under the famed Frosty Westering. After marrying his college sweetheart, they returned to Gig Harbor, embracing family life as they proudly raise their three children: Avery, Cyrus, and Kye.
TBA | 5th Grade TACKLE Coach
TBA | 3rd/4th Grade TACKLE Coach
Volunteers Welcomed | 1st/2nd Grade TACKLE Coach
Volunteers Welcomed | K/1st Grade FLAG Coach
HOW OUR TEAMS ARE ORGANIZED
In the West Sound Youth Football League (WSYFL) youth teams are arranged into grade categories as shown, Seniors, Juniors, Sophomores, Freshman and Flag. However, if we have enough registrations in any given year to form separate single grade teams, we will. This flexible team structure follows with the way most feeder programs in Washington state are. This structure not only allows for flexibility each year as registration numbers change but also ensures players get to stay with their friends and classmates. If you have any questions about how registration numbers are progressing for the upcoming season please reach out to us at admin@seahawksyouthfootball.org for a quick answer.
You can find all by-laws and rules governing our youth teams on the WSYFL website HERE
Common Questions
- What documents will be required to prove school grade? A screen shot of their Power School, online school portal or a photo of their last report card with their child’s full name and grade level.
- Homeschooled? Kids will play based on the grade their age level is and must meet the age cut off requirements. Still requires two (2) documents providing proof of address.
- What happens if a child is held back? We base players eligibility on grade first then age. We still require a birth certificate and if a child does not meet the age cut off per their division, they must play at the division based on their age instead of grade.
- What if a child wants to play up a division? Play up requests are addressed by the individual club.
This is not done at the league level.
TACKLE | SENIORS: 7TH – 8TH GRADE
Cannot be 15 before December 1st of the current year NO FRESHMAN ALLOWED
TACKLE | JUNIORS: 5TH – 6TH GRADE
Cannot be 13 before December 1st of the current year
TACKLE | SOPHOMORES: 3RD – 4TH GRADE
Cannot be 11 before December 1st of the current year
TACKLE | FRESHMAN: 1ST – 2ND GRADE
Cannot be 9 before December 1st of the current year
FLAG | K – 1ST GRADE
(parent preference on ability to begin tackle in 1st)
If we have enough registrations in any given year to form separate single grade teams, we will. If you have any questions about how registration numbers are progressing for the upcoming season please reach out to us at admin@seahawksyouthfootball.org for a quick answer.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Our program relies solidly on parent or community volunteers, who play a vital role in shaping the experiences of our participants. If you have a passion for the sport and would like to contribute to the team through coaching or assistant coaching, or if you are interested in assisting with various administrative tasks that keep our program running smoothly, we would greatly appreciate your involvement. Additionally, lending a hand on game days or helping with practice preparations would make a significant impact on our athletes’ development and enjoyment. Every little bit helps, and we believe that together, it truly takes a village to create a thriving sports community!
| GET MERCH!
Help support Seahawks Youth Football by ordering spirit gear through our merchandise store hosted by Makefield! Makefield gives back 20% to our organization to help fund things like new equipment and athlete scholarships! They take your order and ship directly to you. Keeping us where we need to be; on the field with the kids!
Please note: This store website is operated independently. SSA or SYF has no part of the ordering or delivery of products purchased.
SEASON KICKOFF MOMENTS
UPCOMING EVENTS
Stay updated on REGISTRATION, FUNDRAISERS, and COMMUNITY EVENTS! Summer conditioning sign-ups begin in Spring. Join us for fun and skill-building!
PRACTICE CALENDAR
Practice fields change with availability; check the schedule for locations around PHS and nearby facilities. Upcoming locations and times will be posted here in June before practices start in July.
GAME SCHEDULE
Come to our football games! The game schedule will be announced in August before the Seahawks Youth Football season starts in the Fall.