Football
The West Orange PAL Mustangs are one of the most exciting teams to watch in West Orange.
We proudly participate in the New Jersey Suburban Youth Football League, which brings together over 27 diverse town programs united by a shared passion for the game. Divided into two conferences, the league fosters a spirit of camaraderie and healthy competition, with a focus on safety first. With playoffs, a Super Bowl, and 8th Grade All-Star Game, we aim to inspire young athletes of all talent levels and skillsets to embrace the values of teamwork, determination, and sportsmanship.
Under the expert guidance and vision of Darnell Grant, the Head Varsity Coach of WOHS, our football program not only nurtures talent but also shapes character. Together, as "Mustangs2Mountaineers", we strive to empower our players to reach their fullest potential on and off the field, creating unforgettable moments and lifelong memories.
We field 5 levels of contact football to serve West Orange’s youth:
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F Level: 3rd graders
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E Level: 4th graders
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D Level: 5th graders
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C Level: 6th graders
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B Level: 7th graders
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A Level: 8th graders
We also field a travel flag football team in the New Jersey Suburban Youth Football League which is open to all West Orange residents in grades 2.
Flag Football: Grades K-2
Players will have home and away games. All players are provided a soft helmet and soft shoulder pads along with a "flag" belt and mouth guard. There is no tackling but a focus on fundamentals of the game of football while having fun. Players participate in the same conditioning training as the football teams. Check back for new updates to our Flag Football program, co-sponsored with the Recreation Department, coming soon!
Registration 2025 Season
Online Registration for Football (Grades 3-8):
https://bit.ly/WOPALFootball2025
**Must be registered by July 15th to be guaranteed to have practice gear.
Tackle Football Grades 3-8 Registration Costs:
February 1 - April 30th: $290
May 1 - June 30th: $350
After July 1st there is a $50 late fee ($400 for the season)
NEW PLAYERS ONLY: Game Uniform Package: $100 *
New Players to the program will receive a reversible customized game jersey (name and number) & game pants
* Returning players do not need to purchase the game package
Football Schedule: All Practices take place at WOHS
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Annual Friday Night Lights Clinic: Friday, August 1, 2025
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Football Conditioning Camp: Week of August 4th
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WOHS Clinic with Coach Grant & WOHS Staff: Week of August 11th
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Tip of the Spear Safety Training: Date TBA
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Football Practices: August 2025 forward; practice M-Th*
*After the first game, practices move to Tues./Wed./Thurs.
PRACTICE PACKAGE!
Practice Packages: All new players will need to order their practice package through Thompson's Sporting Goods. Optional for Returning players.
Football (Grades 3-8): Customized practice jersey and game socks
ONLINE Store will reopen in May 2025.
Payment Options:
In Person Payment in Full: Check made out to WOPAL, cash, credit card
Venmo (@WOPAL) - must email the registration form to Info@wopal.org
Installment Payments must be done through Online Registration
If you have a financial challenge preventing you from registering for the season, please contact Info@wopal.org. We believe every child should have the opportunity to participate in sports, and we're here to work with families to ensure that financial barriers don’t prevent your child from playing.
Refunds will be honored through July 15th.Partial Refunds after July 15th-July 20th. There are no refunds as of July 21st.
Online Registration for Grade K-2 CoEd Flag Football: TBA
Coming Soon - new program co-sponsored with the WO Recreation Department
SPRING 7x7
Open to West Orange PAL Football Players in Grades 5-8
Practices Begin March 11th.
Games to begin in April with Playoffs and Championship in June
Teams will be coached by WOHS Coach Grant & WOHS football Staff
Team(s) will participate in the New Jersey Suburban Youth Football League (NJSFYL)
14U Tournaments will take place on Sundays - dates TBD
Online Registration for Spring 2025 7x7:
Contact INFO@wopal.org for further information.
7x7 Spring Registration Fee
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14U (7th & 8th Grade): $325 (includes league, refs, tournaments, insurance, and uniform fees)
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12U (5th & 6th Grade): $225 (includes league, refs, insurance, & uniform)
Spring 2025 Payment Options:
In Person Payment in Full: Check made out to WOPAL, cash, credit card
Venmo (@WOPAL) - must email the registration form to Info@wopal.org
Installment Payments must be done through Online Registration
There are no refunds as of February 20, 2025.
If you have a financial challenge that is preventing you from registering for the season, please contact Info@wopal.org before March 5, 2025.
Common Questions:
When does football practice start?
The season begins August 4th at the West Orange High School fields.
Practices are held Monday through Thursday until our first game in early September. Then we scale back to 3-4 nights a week. Flag football scales back to 2 nights a week.
When are games?
PAL football games are either Sundays mornings/afternoons or Saturday afternoon/night games. Flag football games are on Saturday mornings.
Do I need my own equipment?
PAL provides: Helmet, Shoulder Pads, Classic Mouth piece
You have to provide: Cleats, Cup, and navy socks
Optional: Gloves, Backplate, Warmers, Clear Visor, Your own mouthpiece etc.
How do I contact the coach?
Each team will have a TeamSnap account which will allow you to reach out to the coaches.
How do I get involved in the PAL Football Program?
PAL is always looking for volunteers to help promote and create a positive experience for the youth of West Orange. Volunteer options include but are not limited to: coaching, game day support, field maintenance, public relations and fundraising.
To get involved or for additional information, please e-mail info@wopal.org.
