North Shore Football runs from late August with pre-season practices (or "training camp") through to the playoffs in late November. New players to the league will be asked to attend a brief evaluation clinic earlier in the summer.

Can boys and girls play in the GSL?

Yes.

What are the Divisions?

The Divisions are age separated with two years for each division. Starting in 2012 flag divisions will also be divided by two year age brackets: Junior Flag - 6 & 7 year olds and Senior Flag - 8 & 9 year olds.

Both flag divisions are fun, safe and non-contact.  Expect one practice per week (time/date TBA by coach) and one game per week (Sunday mornings at Norgate Park).


Tackle begins with Peewee for 10 & 11 year olds and Minor for 12 & 13 year olds. If enough players register there will be a Bantam division for 14 & 15 year olds. "League Age" is the age of a player as of Dec. 31 of the current season. Most teams in tackle divisions practice two or three times per week.

No previous football experience is required for any division.

Where are the games played and on what days?

All games are played at Norgate Park in North Vancouver or at Brennan Park in Squamish on Sundays except for some holidays. The Championship games are played on artificial turf at Confederation Park in North Vancouver on a Saturday or a Sunday at the end of the season. Our bantam team (if enough players register early) will play in the VMFL (Vancouver Mainland Football League) with games usually in and around the lower mainland.

How can parents help with this GSL Football project which allows players throughout the North Shore from North Vancouver to Whistler to play football?

Parents can obtain certification to coach in the League or help with all the activities in support of the teams on the field such as game day field lining, field yardsticks, statistics for the coach, detailed game summaries, concession help, off game activities such as team management, end of season jersey washing, web-site photo submissions, web-site game summary submissions, and many other ways.

Where do players register and where do players pick up their equipment?

Players register online. All players are responsible for their own football shoes and players in the tackle divisions need commercially available football pants with pads. We supply jerseys, mouthguards and use of helmets and shoulder pads. Equipment pick up and fittings will be scheduled several times prior to the start of the season.

How many players are on each team?

Flag teams have 12 players optimum and play 9 on the field if possible; tackle teams have 16 to 20 with 11 players on the field if the registration numbers support this. Many players get a wide experience playing both ways, offensive and defensive. 

What are the rules used for play?

The Flag Division uses a modified set of rules which prepares players for later play in the contact divisions. These rules are specifically developed for GSL North Shore Football. The tackle divisions use the Football Rules Book published by the National Federation of State High School Associations. GSL North Shore Football plays 4-down American football.

Can I register my child in an older age division?

No; please register your child in the age appropriate division.  Playing up or down for weight/safety reasons in a division is not allowed. Studies show that age & experience are determining factors with regards to safety in football.

Can I select where my child plays?

You can request to play on a specific team, for a specific coach, or with a specific player if by a specified deadline and our registrar will try to accomodate your request.  Teams are assigned based on balance , fairness and school catchment.  Any requests after that deadline may not be honoured as we try to balance teams fairly in each division.