The Chicago Youth Football League Joins the Independent Football Alliance

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 12, 2026

The Independent Football Alliance (IFA) is excited to announce that The Chicagoland Youth Football League (TCYFL) has officially joined the alliance as one of its founding member leagues, bringing the largest independent youth tackle football league in America into the IFA network.

America's Largest Independent League

TCYFL is the largest independent youth tackle football league in the United States, fielding thousands of players on hundreds of teams from 38+ Member Communities based throughout Chicagoland and southeastern Wisconsin. With participating communities including Antioch, Aurora, Barrington, Buffalo Grove, Crystal Lake, Evanston, Highland Park, Kenosha, Lake Forest, Libertyville, Racine, Schaumburg, Waukegan, and many more, TCYFL represents the pinnacle of independent youth football organization and reach.

"TCYFL has been setting the standard for independent youth football for decades," says IFA Commissioner Jimm Kramer. "Their commitment to providing 'The Ultimate Football Experience' and their philosophy that 'Football is merely the context in which we teach so much more' perfectly aligns with the IFA's mission to support and elevate independent leagues across America."

What TCYFL Brings to the Alliance

With its extensive history and massive geographic footprint, TCYFL brings invaluable experience to the IFA network:

• Largest Scale: Thousands of players across hundreds of teams
• 38+ Member Communities: Spanning Chicagoland and southeastern Wisconsin
• Proven Leadership: Under the direction of President Geoff Meyer and a dedicated board
• Multi-Conference System: Operating Big 10, Pac 10, and 7-Man conferences
• Comprehensive Programming: From Flyweight to Varsity divisions, including flag and 7-on-7
• Community Integration: Deep roots in local communities across the greater Chicago area
• Modern Operations: Advanced scheduling systems, live streaming capabilities, and digital engagement

"More Friends, More Family, More Football, MORE FUN"

TCYFL's tagline captures the essence of what independent leagues provide to their communities. By joining the IFA, TCYFL gains access to:

• National Vendor Partnerships: Discounted rates on equipment, uniforms, and insurance through IFA collective bargaining
• Premier Venue Access: Opportunities to compete at Hall of Fame Village and The Ford Center at The Star
• Networking with Other Large Leagues: Direct connections with 50+ other independent leagues to share best practices
• National Recognition: Representation at the national level with potential NFL connections and sponsor relationships
• Professional Development: Access to coaching clinics, administrative training, and safety programs

Maintaining Independence While Gaining Strength

"We want to be crystal clear: TCYFL maintains complete control over its operations, rules, scheduling, and governance," emphasizes IFA Commissioner Jimm Kramer. "The IFA exists to support leagues like TCYFL, not to control them. Our role is to provide resources, amplify their voice at the national level, and help them serve their communities even better."

TCYFL President Geoff Meyer agrees: "TCYFL has always been about community, family, and providing the best possible experience for our young athletes. Joining the IFA doesn't change that—it enhances it. We now have access to resources and opportunities that will benefit all 38+ of our member communities and the thousands of families we serve."

Setting the Standard

As America's largest independent youth football league, TCYFL joining the IFA sends a powerful message to independent leagues nationwide about the value of collective representation while maintaining local autonomy.

"If the largest independent league in America sees the value in the IFA, that speaks volumes," notes Commissioner Kramer. "We invite other independent leagues—large and small—to join us. Together, we can provide even better experiences for our young athletes while preserving what makes independent football special."

Championship Opportunities

TCYFL teams will now be eligible to compete in the IFA Super Bowl at The Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas, and the IFA Youth Football Jamboree at Hall of Fame Village in Canton, Ohio. These premier events provide exposure and recognition opportunities previously unavailable to independent leagues.

About The Chicagoland Youth Football League

The Chicagoland Youth Football League (TCYFL) is America's largest independent youth tackle football league, serving thousands of players across 38+ member communities throughout Chicagoland and southeastern Wisconsin. TCYFL operates multiple conferences and divisions, providing football opportunities from Flyweight through Varsity levels. For more information, visit www.tcyfl.net.

About the Independent Football Alliance

The Independent Football Alliance is America's collective representing independent youth football leagues. The IFA provides representation, resources, and networking opportunities while respecting the independence and autonomy of member leagues. There is no cost to join.

Media Contacts

Independent Football Alliance
Commissioner Jimm Kramer
Email: info@independentfootballalliance.com

The Chicagoland Youth Football League
President Geoff Meyer
Email: g5150m@msn.com
Website: www.tcyfl.net

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