Red & Black. Pride & Community. 1st Grade through 6th Grade.
The latest from Red & Black Nation
Formal registration for the 2026 season has closed, but we still welcome interested players! If your child wants to be part of Winchester Youth Football, reach out before the season kicks off on August 3rd. Tap to learn more.
Practices kick off Monday, August 3rd at Skillings Grass Field, right next to Skillings Turf where WHS football happens. Games begin Sunday, September 13th — Crusaders at 10:30 AM, Spartans at 12:00 PM. Full opponent schedule coming soon.
Mark your calendar: mandatory equipment fitting is Monday, July 13 at Ginn Field, 5:30–7:00 PM. Drop in any time during the window for a quick 10–15 minute sizing — helmet, shoulder pads, jersey, and pants. Can't make this one? We'll arrange a makeup fitting or fit you at the start of the season — but please try to make it if you can.
We're always looking for enthusiastic parent volunteers to help coach. No prior coaching experience required — just a passion for youth development. All volunteers must complete a background check and the American Youth Football Coach Certification program before the first practice.
Families packed Skillings Field for an afternoon of drills, smiles, and serious football energy. Huge thanks to every player, parent, and WHS mentor who came out. Tap to read the recap and see the photos →
Help us bring back Winchester Youth Football in 2026! Tap to view our fundraising flyer — every contribution funds equipment, field costs, and accessible play for every Winchester family.
Registration is closed, but we can still welcome new players before the season starts August 3rd.
Open our fundraising page to see how every contribution funds equipment, fields, and accessible play for Winchester families.
More than football — a Winchester tradition
American Youth Football certifies that coaches ensure proper tackling and blocking technique. Every player is professionally fitted for equipment before their first practice.
Winchester Youth Football requires academic eligibility every season. We partner with Winchester schools to support student-athletes in the classroom as much as on the field.
Teamwork, discipline, respect, and resilience — the values we coach every day at practice become lifelong habits your child carries well beyond football.
Regular season league games, playoffs, and championship tournaments give every player a chance to compete at their best under real game conditions.
The Red & Black are a tight-knit Winchester family. Parents volunteer, cheer, and build lasting friendships while watching their children grow into confident young athletes.
WYF has no cuts and every player plays in every game. We're committed to giving every child the chance to participate, develop, and contribute to the team.
Football is an amazing game that generations of youth players have loved playing. Give your player the chance to be active outdoors, build lifelong friendships, and fall in love with the game.
Youth football helps players develop important athletic skills and understand the game at an early age — a foundation that pays off whether they continue with football or carry those skills into other sports.
Mark your calendar — Red & Black all season long
All three divisions open for registration at winchesteryouthfootball.com. First-come, first-served for limited spots.
Drop in any time between 5:30–7:00 PM at Ginn Field for a 10–15 minute fitting — helmet, shoulder pads, jersey, and pants. Missed players will be fitted at a makeup session or at the start of the season.
What a day! Players, parents, and WHS mentors packed Skillings Field for our community kickoff. Read the recap and see the photos →
Formal registration has closed. Still interested? We may still be able to add players before practices begin on August 3rd — contact David Harrison at dwharrison@mgh.harvard.edu to discuss.
First practice at Skillings Grass Field — right next to Skillings Turf where WHS plays. Expect a heavier August schedule (3–4 weekday sessions) that eases once school is back in session.
Opening game day! Crusaders kick off at 10:30 AM, Spartans at 12:00 PM (noon). Full opponent schedule to be announced — stay tuned to the website.
Dates have not been announced yet — details to follow once the league schedule is released. Top division finishers advance to playoff rounds. Championship game date and location set by league.
Date has not been announced yet — details to follow. Annual awards banquet for all players, families, and coaches. A celebration of every player's hard work and growth.
The Winchester Youth Football program exists to provide every youth in Winchester, Massachusetts the opportunity to grow through the sport of football. We develop young athletes physically and mentally — building confidence, resilience, teamwork, and a lifelong love of the game.
As a member of American Youth Football, we are bound by the highest standards in youth sports: academic eligibility requirements, player safety protocols, and a commitment to treating every child with dignity and respect.
Winchester Youth Football is proud to feed into one of the oldest and most storied high school football programs in Massachusetts. Our players grow up dreaming of the day they wear the Red & Black at Knowlton Stadium — and WYF is where that journey begins.
That tradition is alive today: the WHS Red & Black capped their 2025 season with a run to the Final Four of the MIAA Division 2 State Championship — a powerful reminder of where Winchester football is headed and what today's youth players are growing into.
Dedicated coaches who bleed Red & Black
Coach Jeremy Fish grew up in upstate New York, where he was a three-sport athlete in football, basketball, and baseball, serving as captain of both the football and basketball teams. Those experiences helped shape his approach to leadership, accountability, and team-first play.
Coach Fish and his wife Julie are proud to be raising their family in Winchester, where their children are the third consecutive generation in her family to go through the public school system. Over the past few years, he has coached youth basketball, flag football, and baseball, with a strong focus on fundamentals, effort, and building confident, unselfish teammates. He believes youth sports play an important role in preparing kids for success later in life.
Coach Fish owns and operates a landscape construction business and brings that same discipline, preparation, and attention to detail to the field every day.
Coach Gibbons is a first-year youth football coach and was captain of the Winchester High School varsity football and lacrosse teams in 2021. He graduated from Skidmore College in 2025 after a four-year collegiate lacrosse career.
Off the field, he works as a Financial Solutions Advisor at Bank of America Merrill Lynch. Coach Gibbons is excited to bring his leadership and passion for sports to the development of young athletes.
Coach Harrison coached youth football for 5 seasons while his son Bryan (Harvard, Class of '30) played on Winchester's Pop Warner and SYFC teams. He has two older daughters, Kayla (Wesleyan, Class of '26) and Amanda (Middlebury, Class of '27) and convinced his amazing wife Mai to start WYF with him. He was captain and played linebacker and offensive guard at Fieldston High School in NYC. When not on the football field, Coach Harrison works as an internist and pediatrician at Massachusetts General Hospital.
Football has been integral to Matt's life since his first season at age nine. After winning a state title in his fourth season of Salem Pop Warner, he co-captained Salem High's 1999 Super Bowl-winning Witches, earning all-league and all-state honors.
At Tufts University, Matt was a three-year starter at Nose Guard and earned NESCAC All-League and All-Academic accolades. Today, he serves on the Jumbos' football alumni board, coaches his sons' teams in flag football and wrestling, and leads an executive coaching practice.
Coach Francis grew up in Arlington playing Pop Warner football and went on to play linebacker at BC High and Phillips Exeter Academy. He transitioned to rugby at Trinity College, serving as team captain and continued competing for several years after college with the Mystic River Rugby Club. He brings a strong multi-sport background and a lifelong appreciation for team athletics.
Along with his wife, Dianne, he is the proud parent of four children — Tommy (9), Madison (8), Tatum (4), and Mackenzie (3) — and has enjoyed coaching youth hockey, baseball, and flag football in Winchester for the past 5 years.
Off the field, Coach Francis works in sales for a technology company specializing in legal and compliance software.
Greg Hughes has called Winchester home for the past 10 years, where he and his wife Jessica are raising their three boys. A lifelong athlete who grew up in Bedford, MA, Greg played football and basketball through his youth, spending most of his career as a quarterback — a role that shaped the leader he is today.
He's been coaching youth sports for over 20 years and counts coaching his own sons among his greatest privileges. Greg credits much of his success in life to the lessons learned on the football field: discipline, teamwork, and leading under pressure.
Off the field, he is the Founder and Managing Partner of Seyon Management, a national third-party property services firm.
Ben Albiani grew up in Winchester, where he developed a lifelong passion for athletics while competing in football, wrestling, and lacrosse throughout high school. He continued his academic and athletic career at Bridgton Academy, where he played lacrosse before moving on to Merrimack College and Wentworth Institute of Technology.
With more than 10 years of coaching youth lacrosse in Winchester, Ben is committed to helping young athletes build confidence, discipline, teamwork, and a strong work ethic both on and off the field. His coaching style emphasizes fundamentals, effort, sportsmanship, and creating a positive environment where players can grow and develop a love for the game.
Outside of coaching, Ben is a dedicated father to his three children — Ben (13), Emily (12), and Max (9) — and is the owner of a successful real estate company based in Winchester.
Andrew Statires lives in Winchester with his wife Melissa and their three boys — Charlie, Cooper, and Marco. Andrew played football, baseball, and basketball growing up in Manchester, NH and played football and baseball at Middlebury College.
He has been coaching youth sports in Winchester for over 10 years, helping young athletes learn lessons both on and off the field. Andrew credits much of what he has learned in life to playing multiple sports and having influential youth coaches — and he feels strongly about kids doing the same. He believes leadership qualities can be learned from both winning and losing situations.
Off the field, Andrew is the proud owner of a neighborhood restaurant in Boston.
Matt Capobianco grew up in Somerville, where he was a three-sport athlete in football, basketball, and track. He graduated from Northeastern University, where he transitioned from football to play rugby as an outside center. The first-hand experience of college sports, and the friendships that came from it, still resonate strongly in his daily life.
Matt and his wife, Michela, have called Winchester home for the past 12 years, where they are raising their four children — Luca (13), Matteo (11), Nico (9), and Maelle (7). One of Matt's greatest joys has been coaching his kids in flag football, baseball, and basketball. Across every team and every season, he has always focused on teaching fundamentals, building confidence, encouraging teamwork, and — most importantly — helping kids develop a love of the game while having fun. Matt brings a strong belief that youth sports are grounded in a positive and supportive environment for every child on the team.
Off the field, Matt has worked in the medical device industry for 25 years, where the same qualities that matter in sports play a critical role in his professional success.
The Winchester volunteers who make it all possible
Coach Harrison coached youth football for 5 seasons while his son Bryan (Harvard, Class of '30) played on Winchester's Pop Warner and SYFC teams. He has two older daughters, Kayla (Wesleyan, Class of '26) and Amanda (Middlebury, Class of '27) and convinced his amazing wife Mai to start WYF with him. He was captain and played linebacker and offensive guard at Fieldston High School in NYC. When not on the football field, Coach Harrison works as an internist and pediatrician at Massachusetts General Hospital.
Mai is well-known as a volunteer-at-large in Winchester schools and charitable organizations, bringing boundless energy to her many endeavors. She was a Team Mom for Winchester Pop Warner and SYFC and has been a key part of WHS Football Boosters. She played soccer and ran track at Malden High School.
You'll be sure to see and hear her cheering from the stands, selling concessions, running raffles, and rushing the field (after the game) to take photos!
Adrienne Spignesi grew up in the Washington, D.C. area and lived in several places before eventually settling in Winchester with her family 10 years ago. Once her son, Bo, began playing Pop Warner and eventually SYFC, she quickly became fully invested in cheering for Winchester football — or whatever Winchester team happens to be competing. Although her children are now in college, Adrienne still loves supporting youth sports and catching whatever college football games she can on the weekends. She is excited to serve as Treasurer and happy to be part of the team.
Darin Byrne has coached youth football for the past eight seasons, working with both Pop Warner and SYFC, and will be coaching SYFC again this season. He and his wife, Molly, have three sons — all of whom have played or are currently playing in the program: Nolan (WHS Class of '28), Billy (WHS Class of '30), and Matty (McCall, rising 7th grader). A former player and captain at Winchester High School and Amherst College, Darin's love for the game of football — and the lessons it teaches — is only surpassed by his passion for helping young athletes build confidence, accountability, teamwork, and a strong sense of community. Off the field, Darin serves as a financial advisor at Merrill Lynch. You may have also seen (or heard) him singing offkey and playing guitar at a few local watering holes.
A lifelong Winchester resident, Michael grew up in the Red & Black football program and was a member of the 1990 Winchester High School championship team. Today, he gives back to the next generation as a coach with SYFC, drawing on a deep well of Winchester football experience.
Michael and his family are deeply rooted in the program. His older son, Adam, recently graduated from Bridgton Academy and will be heading to High Point University next year. His younger son, Hunter, will be entering the Winchester High School football program — continuing the family's tradition in the Red & Black. Michael is also a proud dad to his daughter, Sophia, who attends Sacred Heart University.
Off the field, Michael is a real estate agent with The Shanahan Group, part of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate, where he brings the same dedication to his clients that he brings to coaching.
Michael (Class of '88 and former WHS player) has been actively involved in youth and high school football/flag football for several seasons, supporting both coaching efforts, documenting the seasons via video, and he will continue contributing to the program this year. He and his wife, Erin, are deeply connected to the team, with his two sons, Michael (Class of '26) and Joseph (Class of '28), both participating in the SYFC program as well as WHS. Michael will be attending Bates College (Class of '30) next year where he will be continuing his football journey. A strong believer in the value of youth sports, Michael is passionate about helping young athletes develop confidence, discipline, teamwork, and a sense of community. Off the field, he brings his professional experience and leadership to his work, while staying committed to supporting the growth and success of the program. Along with his two sons, Michael has an older daughter Emma attending St. Anselm Nursing School.
Bryan started playing football in 3rd grade with Winchester Pop Warner. He fell in love with the game and has played ever since, rising up through SYFC and then playing with Winchester High School Football, where he served as two-year captain.
He earned All-League, All-Conference, and First Team All-State honors as a linebacker and helped lead Winchester High School to the Middlesex League Championship in 2025. In 2026, he will join Harvard Football as a linebacker and plans to major in Economics.
Every Winchester coach, board member, and team volunteer undergoes annual criminal background checks and completes the mandatory American Youth Football training program. We follow all American Youth Football policies without exception. Our coaching staff is fully certified, meaning every tackling drill, blocking technique, and physical contact in practice is taught to the highest standards of player safety. Each coach is required to complete NFHS Concussion in Sports training, American Red Cross CPR,and NFHS Football Tackling training. The Red and Black standard means we never cut corners — your child's safety is our first obligation.
Every child finds their level — skill- and grade-appropriate AYF competition.
Where the Winchester Youth Football story begins
The Titans are where the Winchester Youth Football story begins. This is our youngest division — built entirely around one idea: make football fun, safe, and something every first and second grader wants to come back to.
Coaches in the Titans division know that players at this age are learning how football works for the very first time. The focus is on fundamentals — how to line up, how to move as a team, how to block and tackle safely, and how to understand the basics of the game. Every drill, every practice, and every rep is designed to build confidence and love of the sport before it builds anything else.
The Titans compete within AYF's age-protected All American division structure, which means every player on the field is matched against children at the same stage of physical and emotional development. Every child who wants to play belongs here.
The Titans experience is about more than the scoreboard. We want every player to finish their first season knowing two things: what it feels like to be part of a team, and that they can't wait to get back on the field.
Where youth football starts to click
The Crusaders are where youth football starts to click. Players coming into the Crusaders division are no longer learning what football is — they're learning how to play it well. Third and fourth graders in this division have the physical and cognitive development to begin understanding real strategy, run designed plays, and take real ownership of their positions on the field.
This is the division where many players discover that football is their sport. Practices get more focused, the playbook gets more interesting, and the competition gets more meaningful. Crusaders coaches introduce players to both sides of the ball with real depth — offensive formations, defensive alignments, and the mental side of reading a play before it happens.
This is also the division where team culture takes hold. Crusaders players learn what it means to prepare, to compete, and to pick each other up. The bonds formed in this division have a way of lasting long after the season ends.
Our most competitive division — bridge to middle and high school football
The Spartans are Winchester Youth Football's most competitive division — and the bridge between youth football and the Winchester middle and high school programs. Fifth and sixth grade players in this division are ready for a serious, committed football experience that prepares them for everything that comes next.
Spartans practice and play at a level that mirrors what players will encounter when they step into the WHS Red and Black program. The playbook is more sophisticated, expectations around effort and preparation are higher, and players are treated as the athletes they are becoming. Coaches in this division have a shared commitment to developing technically sound, mentally tough, and team-first football players.
Players can enter the Spartans with no prior football experience, but those who complete the Spartans leave Winchester Youth Football ready — ready for middle school football, ready for the WHS Varsity pipeline, and ready with the discipline, character, and football IQ that only experience can deliver.
Placement is determined by grade per the American Youth Football All American division structure, ensuring children compete against peers at the same stage of development. AYF also requires academic eligibility: players must have passing grades from the prior school year. Tournament-eligible Spartans must additionally complete an AYF Affidavit of Scholastic Eligibility.
The full 2026 game schedule has not been released yet. Once the league publishes opponent matchups, the complete schedule will appear here — families will also be notified directly.
What we know: Games begin Sunday, September 13th with kickoff at 12:00 PM (noon). Roughly 10 games on Sundays through November, with home games at Knowlton Stadium.
The full 2026 game schedule has not been released yet. Once the league publishes opponent matchups, the complete schedule will appear here — families will also be notified directly.
What we know: Games begin Sunday, September 13th with kickoff at 10:30 AM. Roughly 10 games on Sundays through November, with home games at Knowlton Stadium.
The 2026 game schedule has not been released yet. Once the league publishes opponent matchups and kickoff times, the full schedule will appear here. Registered families will also be notified directly.
What we know: games played on Sundays, August through November, with home games at Knowlton Stadium.
Practices start Monday, August 3rd at Skillings Grass Field — right next to Skillings Turf where the Winchester High School Red & Black make their magic happen. Exact days, times, and the full practice schedule will be shared with families before the season begins. As a general guide, expect a heavier schedule in August (typically 3–4 weekday afternoons/evenings) that eases to 2–3 practices per week once school is back in session. Exact cadence varies by division.
Game-Day Arrival: All players must arrive 45 minutes before kickoff for warm-ups.
Even though formal registration closed on June 20th, we are committed to getting every interested player on the field. If your child wants to be part of Winchester Youth Football this season, reach out before the season kicks off on August 3rd and we'll work to make it happen.
Whether your child has never touched a football or has been dreaming of wearing a Winchester football jersey since birth — all skill levels are welcome. Our coaches meet every player where they are and help them grow. No child will be turned away.
Registration includes:
Eligibility:
Financial hardship assistance is available — no Winchester child will be turned away due to cost. Contact David Harrison confidentially at dwharrison@mgh.harvard.edu to learn about our scholarship program and payment plan options.
Formal registration has closed, but we still welcome new players through the start of the season on August 3rd. Reach out directly to WYF President David Harrison — he'll walk you through next steps and make sure your player gets on the field.
dwharrison@mgh.harvard.edu
The Winchester community turned out at Skillings Field for an afternoon packed with drills, smiles, and serious football energy. Players new and returning ran routes, learned positions, and made fast friends with future teammates — the kind of day that reminded us exactly why we're bringing this program back.
Huge thanks to every family who showed up, to the Winchester High School Red & Black players who joined us as mentors for our youngest athletes, and to the coaches who pulled the practice plan together. The energy on the field was contagious — and seeing kids from first through sixth grade running drills alongside future varsity players told us everything we need to know about what's ahead for the 2026 season.
If you missed it — or if you were there and want to relive the energy — head over to the gallery for the full set of photos from the day.
Missed the clinic but still want to join? Registration has closed, but we can still welcome new players before the season starts August 3rd — email David Harrison to discuss joining the team.
Winchester Youth Football is returning in 2026 after being inactive since 2018. Restarting the program means buying every piece of equipment, securing field time, and standing up the infrastructure to safely run three divisions for grades 1–6 — and every contribution matters.
Where Your Support Goes:
Ways to Give:
Winchester Youth Football is a registered 501(c)(3). All contributions are tax-deductible. EIN: 41-4678723
Donate securely via PayPal. Every contribution helps bring back youth football in Winchester.
Questions? Contact Mai Harrison at Mai_Harrison02@hotmail.com
After being inactive since 2018, Winchester Youth Football returns in 2026 — and we'd love your partnership to bring it to life. We expect to field up to three teams for children in grades 1–6, creating a place where kids build confidence, friendships, and a true sense of belonging.
WHS recently won the Middlesex League Championship — their first in 35 years.
Strong middle school participation continues to grow year over year.
High school athletes mentor younger players through community clinics.
We're starting fresh. Your support helps fund:
Individuals and families can support the program directly — every contribution funds equipment, fields, and accessible play.
The generous support of our sponsors keeps registration fees low and equipment top-quality
The En Ka Society is a non-profit charitable organization comprised of over 200 women volunteers. Our mission is to aid various non-profit organizations and initiatives that serve the people of Winchester, its residents in need, and our town for public purposes.
Hall of Fame HeroA generous member of our community who chose to support the program quietly. Thank you for believing in Winchester's kids.
Super Bowl SupporterFounding supporters of Winchester Youth Football. Their early commitment helped make the program possible for the next generation of Red & Black.
Super Bowl Supporter
Executive coaching from the Keller family — proud supporters of Winchester youth football and our community.
Super Bowl Supporter
A trusted local bank serving Winchester families and businesses. Thank you for your generous support of youth football and our community.
Winchester's community bank — supporting local families and organizations for over 100 years. Thank you for your ongoing commitment to youth sports in our town.
Red Zone SquadJoin our growing roster of community partners and show Winchester that you invest in the next generation. Sponsorships help fund equipment, field costs, and scholarship assistance — and your logo gets prominent placement on our website, game-day banners, spirit wear, and social media all season long.
Contact our Fundraising Chair Mai Harrison at Mai_Harrison02@hotmail.com to discuss a sponsorship package.
Winchester Youth Football is a registered 501(c)(3). All contributions are tax-deductible. EIN: 41-4678723
No photos yet — check back soon!
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Coach is still drawing up the play. Jerseys, hats, hoodies, and the rest of the Red & Black gear are on the way — check back closer to kickoff.
Want a heads-up when the shop opens? Drop us a note and we'll let you know.
Can't find what you're looking for? Our team is happy to help. Email us at dwharrison@mgh.harvard.edu You can also send us a message through the Contact page and we'll get back to you within 1–2 business days.
Knowlton Stadium · 458 Main Street
Winchester, MA 01890
Skillings Field
Next to Winchester High School
General: dwharrison@mgh.harvard.edu
Registration: dwharrison@mgh.harvard.edu
Sponsors: Mai_Harrison02@hotmail.com
President: David Harrison
Vice President: Mai Harrison
Website: Michael Ficociello
Sponsorship: Mai Harrison