About Us

For 18 years, Woodstock Thunder Youth Football and Cheer (WTYFC) has proudly served athletes and families in Woodstock. We are the only local program offering football and cheer that directly feeds into both Woodstock North and Woodstock High School. Backed by 20 dedicated volunteer board members, Thunder is built on stability, experience, and community support.

Since 2008, Woodstock Youth Thunder Football has provided the town of Woodstock with tackle football for grades 1–6. In 2016, when local D200 middle schools stopped offering youth football, a group of parents came together with one goal: to keep the game alive for local kids. We then expanded to include 7th & 8th grade football.

Those parents volunteered to coach, organize, and secure sponsorships—creating a place where athletes could learn, grow, and compete. With Emricson Park as our home field, Thunder football quickly took root, growing stronger every year as more families joined.

Alongside football, we have proudly offered sideline cheer for just as many years, energizing the crowd at weekend home games. In 2019, we expanded to include competitive cheer, which has since earned multiple bids to the State Championship and consistently placed at the top. Our K–2 and 3–5 squads swept every competition in 2024, earning first-place finishes and advancing to State again. The 2025 squads are already earning high scores and early bids.

And for our youngest athletes, we introduced flag football, giving 5–7-year-olds a safe, fun introduction to the game. Flag has been a consistent entry point for about 50 athletes each year, preparing them to move into tackle with confidence.

Families choose Thunder because we provide opportunities for all their children in one place—flag, tackle, sideline cheer, and competition cheer. Parents appreciate the convenience of one program that supports multiple passions while preparing athletes for high school success.

WTYFC is the only program in Woodstock that directly feeds into both high schools, and many of our former athletes have continued playing football and cheer at the high school level because of the strong foundation they built here.

Thunder is proud to be part of The Chicagoland Youth Football League (TCYFL)—the largest and most competitive league in the area. This ensures:

• Player Safety – Age and weight restrictions prevent mismatched opponents, unlike leagues that place athletes by grade only.
• Two Levels of Play – BIG 10 (competitive) and PAC (developmental) divisions give athletes the right fit from ages 7–12.
• Certified Coaches – All coaches are trained in concussion safety and youth development systems.
• Fair Play & Growth – We emphasize equal opportunities, accountability, and respect.

Tackle – Each year, 3–5 of our 7 teams reach the playoffs. In 2024, our MW BIG team advanced to the Super Bowl.

Cheer – State Championship appearances in 2019 and 2023, and in 2024 our K–2 and 3–5 squads swept their competitions with first-place finishes, advancing to State again. The K-1 and 2-3 teams have already placed first in two ICA competitions (Cheercago and Cheer Pink) earning bids to State for the 2025 season.

• Tackle – Pre-COVID: 90 athletes. Since 2020: consistently 150–190 athletes.
• Flag – About 50 athletes annually, ages 5–7.
• Cheer – In 2019: 20–30 athletes. By 2025: 35 sideline cheerleaders and 75 competitive cheerleaders.

At Thunder, your child isn’t just joining a team—they’re joining a community. Our families, coaches, and volunteers work together to teach discipline, teamwork, and perseverance both on and off the field. Whether your child’s passion is football or cheer, they’ll find a place to belong, grow, and succeed.