Frequently Asked Questions

We are SW Missouri's Homeschool Football Team, based out of Springfield, MO!  We are a sports ministry that has Youth (8-11), Junior High (12-14), Junior Varsity / Varsity (15-18) tackle football for homeschool boys.  We also allow private school students whose school does not have a football team to join our teams.  Here are some frequently asked questions you can review to get more information.  If you have any questions, message us on social media, or shoot us an email at: Contact@LCAChargersFootball.com

HOW DO I SIGN MY SON UP?

Registration information is at www.LCAChargersFootball.com.  We will always announce registration on our website and on social media (facebook & instagram: @LCAChargersFootball).  Typicaly we open registration in the spring / early summer.  If you have questions, you can email us at: Contact@LCAChargersFootball.com or direct message us on facebook / instagram to be put into touch with a coach.  

WHO CAN PLAY CHARGERS FOOTBALL?

ELIGIBILITY: In order to join Chargers Football you must be a full time homeschool student, or a private school student at a school that does not have a football team.  In order to be fully eligible for games against public school teams, homeschool students may take no more than 2 credit bearing courses from a public or private school.  You may not play in games vs. public school opponents until you have been homeschooled for 365 consecutive days (prior to that you may practice and play vs. other homeschool programs), or if you are a private school student (you can play against our homeschool opponents).

AGE: Players must be 12-14 years old on July 1st prior to the season to play on the Junior High team.  Players get two years of Jr. High eligibility.  Players get 4 years of high school eligibility, and may be no older than 18 on July 1st prior to the season.  We also offer spring and fall flag football for boys ages 8-11.

DO WE HAVE TO BE MEMBERS OF THE LIGHTHOUSE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY CO-OP?

No, any homeschool student can join Lighthouse Christian Athletics.  LCA Homeschool Co-op is a separate organization.

WHERE ARE PLAYERS FROM?

Players are from all over the southwest Missouri region.  We have students from Springfield, Joplin, Bolivar, Marshfield, Rogersville, Ozark, Branson, Nixa, Republic, and elsewhere.  This is a ministry with impact on the lives of young men and their families.  We are grateful that families travel from hours away to be a part of it! 

WHERE ARE THE COACHES FROM?

Our amazing coaching staff is made up of parents, alumni & volunteers.  Because of this we practice in the evenings when they are home from work!

WHAT EQUIPMENT IS REQUIRED?

Players must provide cleats, a mouth guard, a girdle, and game socks.  Players must purchase an official Chargers practice jersey (ordered during registration), and may need to purchase practice pants based on availability.  All other equipment (Helmet, Shoulder Pads, game uniforms, etc. are provided by the Chargers).

WHEN IS PRACTICE?

We practice on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Fridays during the pre-season.  Friday practices end when the varsity games begin (so that everyone can go to the game)!  Wednesday nights are family / church nights.  Some varsity games are on Saturday.  JV may practice on a Friday or Saturday based on the schedule to conduct game prep for Monday games.

WHERE DO WE PRACTICE?

For the 2023 season we will practice at Allison Sports Town (209 Airport Blvd, Springfield, MO 65802).  We plan to move to our own practice fields, which are being built at Fellowship Farm (East of Fellowship Bible Church, 4855 S Farm Road 205, Rogersville, MO)!  The field is 3 minutes East of the HWY 60 / HWY 65 interchange for the 2024 season.

WHEN ARE GAMES?

Varsity plays on Friday or Saturday nights.  Junior Varsity (JV) typically plays on Mondays, and Junior High typically plays on Thursdays.

WHERE ARE GAMES?

Home games are played locally at rented stadiums (Springfield Catholic, Ozark, Hollister, etc.) based on their home/away schedules.

WHO DO WE COMPETE AGAINST?

We play local and regional public schools, as well as other homeschool teams such as the OKC Homeschool Patriots (Oklahoma City, OK), and the Christ Prep Patriots (Kansas City, KS), and the Tomball Christian Warriors (Tomball, TX).  

DO I NEED INSURANCE?

Yes.  The team only has general liability insurance, you must have your own medical insurance.

WHAT OTHER PAPERWORK IS NEEDED?

You must sign a waiver, have a current sports physical, and agree to our player and parent codes of conduct.

HOW DOES THE TEAM COMMUNICATE INFORMATION?

All communication takes place via the team's Discord server.  The schedule (practice, game, and other events) is maintained on a google calendar that you will be given access to.  We also make regular announcements on social media (Facebook & Instagram). 

DO THE CHARGERS TAKE PART IN THE MISSOURI HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PLAYOFFS?

No, we are not allowed to complete in the playoffs.  We are "approved competition" for MHSAA teams but not full members.  Instead we are a member of the NHFA (National Homeschool Football Association), which holds a national tournament in Panama City Beach, Florida.

THAT'S AWESOME, WHEN IS THE NHFA TOURNAMENT?

The NHFA Tournament is the week prior to Thanksgiving every year.  JV/Varsity players must take part in the tournament.  We practice in Florida on Tuesday and Wednesday.  The semi-final round is Thursday, followed by the championship round on Saturday.  We will play 2 games.

HAVE WE EVER WON THE TOURNAMENT?

Yes, we have won 5 NHFA National Championships: 2008, 2009, 2013, 2014 & 2021

PROGRAM HISTORY:

ARE THERE ANY OTHER CHARGER SPORTS?

Yes!  Lighthouse Christian Athletics also has baseball, basketball, cross country, cheerleading, soccer, track & volleyball.  You can get more info at: www.LCAChargers.com!

DO I HAVE TO BE A CHRISTIAN TO JOIN THE TEAM?

No. Players and families who are not believers are welcome!  We are a Christian sports ministry, and will espouse Christian values, pray together, and keep the word of Jesus as our foundation. 

Our vision is to develop strong Christian character in our athletes.  Our purpose is to bring glory and honor to Jesus while encouraging athletes to be personally responsible for their actions and to work with other athletes as a team in competing against other teams in athletics.

We are Chargers- For The Lord... Our belief in Christ shows in our play, our work ethic, and our team.  Here it’s God first, Family second, and Football third!

We would love to hear from you, and are always looking for more Chargers!  

E'mail questions to: Contact@LCAChargersFootball.com