Welcome to the football home of the Carmel Raiders! The Raiders are sponsored by Carmel Baptist Church and Carmel Christian School as part of the Piedmont Youth Football League. Our location for practices is on Highway 51 in Matthews just east of the Arboretum Shopping Center and Providence High School. Carmel has sponsored teams in this league for 7 years, and is looking forward to the 2009 season.  Registration is now underway, and you can register online at www.ROCSports.org. The cost this season is $195.

The Carmel Raiders have 3 teams this season:

• Varsity - for players ages 12-13 (maximum of 22 players per team)
• Junior Varsity - for players ages 11-12 (maximum of 22 players per team)
• Preps - for players ages 7-9 (maximum of 20 players per team)

June 30 is the birthday cutoff date for each team. The weight limits for each team are as follows:

• Varsity maximum weight - 200lbs; maximum ball advancement weight is 140lbs.
• Junior Varsity maximum weight - 160lbs; maximum ball advancement weight is 110lbs.
• Preps maximum weight - 120lbs; maximum ball advancement weight is 80lbs. 

Our program prides itself on teaching good sportsmanship, the fundamental skills and knowledge of football, and our players learning that with hard work, come rewards both on and off the field. Football is a fantastic team sport that teaches young people invaluable lessons of character, discipline, and self-esteem. The Carmel Raiders achieve this through encouragement in a Christian environment. Although this is a Charlotte community-based recreational league, the Carmel Raiders will implement Christian team and coaching principles including prayer. We expect excellent standards of behavior, attitude, language, and commitment of coaches, players, and parents.

We look forward to updating practice and game information for parents and fans of the Carmel Raiders this upcoming 2009 Season! Check back regularly for parent updates and team news.

We look forward to working with you this year!

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.

Rev. Bill Smith
Pastor of Sports Outreach/Athletic Director
Carmel Baptist Church/Carmel Christian School
1145 Pineville-Matthews Road
Matthews, NC 28105
(704) 815-1172
bills@carmelbaptist.org

To register online, go to: www.ROCSports.org

UPDATED TEAM NEWS:

1-We are currently registering for our teams. You can register online at: www.ROCsports.org

2-Tryouts: Coaches will hold tryouts only if we exceed the maximum number of players allowed per team after registrations.

3-Cost: $195 (covers all equipment except cleats, practice pants/jersey, and mouthpiece) Payment in full is required once players make the team.

4-An Official PYFL Certification Day will be held at Carmel Baptist Church on Saturday August 8 at 9:00AM for all players on the Raiders' teams.

5-August 3 - First Practice in pads

6-An exact practice schedule will be established by coaches, but generally will be 3 days per week before school starts, and 2 days a week after school starts. Practices will be held from 6-8 PM at either Carmel Baptist Church or nearby field.

7-We have some "Coach Openings" and would be glad to talk with you about these positions.

Thanks for visiting the homepage of the Carmel Raiders Football teams!