Jr Football Camp
camp overview
Andover Jr Football Camp is designed for 3rd through 6th grade Jr Jags and Jr Trojans preparing for or continuing in tackle football.
This camp gives young athletes the opportunity to work directly with the varsity football programs they are feeding into while developing fundamentals, confidence, effort, coachability, and excitement for the upcoming Jr Football season. It is also a great opportunity for grade-appropriate athletes who are new to football and interested in learning more about the game.
Quick Camp Snapshot
Who Can Attend: 3rd through 6th grade Jr Football athletes
Dates: July 20th–22nd, 2026
Time: 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Locations: Trojan Stadium and Jaguar Stadium
Camp Format: Non-contact camp; no football equipment is worn
What to Wear: Turf-approved cleats or tennis shoes, shorts, and a light-colored T-shirt
5th/6th Grade Athletes: Camp attendance is expected
3rd/4th Grade Athletes: Camp is strongly encouraged
Registration Fee: $75
Season Registration: Jr Football Camp is available during Jr Football registration
Camp-Only Interest: Families with a 3rd through 6th grade athlete who is new to football and interested in a camp-only opportunity may email info@andoverjrfootball.com to request a separate camp-only registration link.
A True Varsity-Led Camp Experience
Jr Football Camp gives 3rd through 6th grade athletes a unique opportunity to learn directly from the high school varsity coaches, staff, and current players from the programs they are working toward.
The camp setting allows players to receive focused instruction, see proper technique demonstrated, and build confidence before the Jr Football season begins.
WHY CAMP MATTERS
Jr Football Camp is one of the most valuable development opportunities AJSA offers for elementary players preparing for tackle football.
AJSA refined Jr Football Camp in 2024 to create a more focused development experience for players preparing for the tackle football progression. With 3rd grade included beginning in 2026, camp now provides an important opportunity for athletes entering their first season of Traditional Tackle Football to receive meaningful instruction before the season begins.
This is especially valuable for players who are new to tackle football, have only played Flag Football, or are still building confidence with tackle football fundamentals. While Andover does offer Rookie Tackle, participation levels can vary, and athletes may enter 3rd, 4th, 5th, or even 6th grade with different levels of experience in blocking, tackling progression, alignments, terminology, and team concepts. Camp helps build a stronger shared foundation by giving athletes direct instruction, repetition, and confidence before practices and games begin.
Because this camp requires a meaningful commitment from the varsity coaches, staff, and current players, strong participation from eligible athletes is important. AJSA expects 5th and 6th grade players to attend camp unless they have a previously scheduled vacation, family commitment, or unavoidable conflict. Third and fourth grade players are strongly encouraged to attend as they continue building their football foundation.
Camp helps players build confidence, learn from varsity coaches and players, and begin the season with a stronger foundation.
What Players Learn
Players receive instruction in key football fundamentals, including:
• Skill development
• Safe tackling progression
• Blocking technique
• Offensive and defensive drills
• Position fundamentals
• Teamwork, effort, and coachability
Varsity Program Connection
Jr Football Camp gives athletes the unique opportunity to work directly with the high school varsity football programs they are feeding into.
Coach Tuttle and the Andover Central Jaguars staff lead the Jr Jags at Jaguar Stadium, while Coach Cruce and the Andover Trojans staff lead the Jr Trojans at Trojan Stadium.
Assistant coaches and current varsity players are also involved, helping demonstrate drills, encourage athletes, and provide hands-on instruction throughout camp.
REGISTRATION NOTES
The registration fee for Jr Football Camp is $75.
For athletes registering for the Jr Football season, camp is available during Jr Football registration. For 5th and 6th grade athletes, camp attendance is expected unless the athlete has a previously scheduled vacation, family commitment, or unavoidable conflict.
Third and fourth grade athletes are strongly encouraged to attend, especially athletes who are new to tackle football or preparing for their first season of Traditional Tackle Football.
Families with a 3rd through 6th grade athlete who is new to football and interested in a camp-only opportunity may email info@andoverjrfootball.com to request a separate registration link.
Camp is intended for 3rd through 6th grade athletes only.
CAMP LOCATIONS
Jr Football Camp is held at both Trojan Stadium and Jaguar Stadium.
Athletes enrolled at a school that feeds into Andover Central High School attend camp at Jaguar Stadium. Athletes enrolled at a school that feeds into Andover High School attend camp at Trojan Stadium.
Families should watch for AJSA communication confirming final camp details, stadium reminders, and any updates before camp begins.
WHAT TO WEAR AND BRING
Jr Football Camp is a non-contact camp. Players will not wear helmets, shoulder pads, football pants, or other football equipment.
Athletes should wear turf-approved cleats or tennis shoes, athletic shorts, and a light-colored T-shirt because of the summer heat.
Players should bring a good-sized water bottle that keeps water cold. Frequent hydration breaks will be taken throughout camp due to the summer heat.
CAMP GOALS
Our goal is to provide a high-energy, development-focused camp experience that helps players improve fundamentals, build confidence, and prepare for the upcoming Jr Football season.
Just as importantly, camp is designed to be fun. Players should leave each night feeling encouraged, challenged, more confident, and excited to keep growing in the game of football.
Camp also strengthens the connection between AJSA athletes and the high school programs they are working toward, helping players understand the pride, effort, teamwork, and coachability expected as they continue through the Andover football pathway.
We appreciate the support of our varsity coaches, staff members, players, families, and volunteers who help make Jr Football Camp a valuable and memorable experience for our young athletes.