Norwood Raiders Football & Cheer

Dear Northern Valley Football Families,

 

Over the last 40+ years we have conformably established two great NVOT Knight feeder programs in the Northern Valley area. Northern Valley Eagles and Norwood Raiders, both teams have established themselves as leaders of the Bergen County Junior Football League. We have set a standard within the league of excellence and pride throughout the years. Both programs represent strength, community, family, and unity.

 

Over the last few years, we have faced diminishing numbers. Last season the Raiders Junior team joined the Eagles team in order to support the few still playing football within our communities. The 2024 Jr team has built a lasting impression in combining the two Jr squads was paramount in order to build a foundation for the future.

 

For the 2025 season parents and coaches expressed concerns with the overall number of players. The league has also expressed concern with the programs and we have faced deadlines to commit to teams by early June in order to solidify the 2025 schedule. This will also allow us to organize and schedule team activities early enough to be ready for the 2025 season and communicate in a timely fashion to our cherished Northern Valley families.

 

That is why this season we have decided to merge these two wonderful programs into one for all levels. On Wednesday, May 28, 2025, the Norwood Raiders and the Northern Valley Eagles addressed our concerns with the league and they have unanimously agreed to allow this merge to take place for the 2025 season. The league will review again prior to next season if we are to continue with combining the two programs. We will be establishing ourselves as the Northern Valley Knights PAL for 2025. The Northvale Police Athletic League is a non-profit organization which for many years has proudly offered Football, Wrestling and Cheerleading to children of the Northern Valley. Upon this merger, the Northvale Police Athletic League will now proudly offer all of these programs to all five towns in the Northern Valley (Northvale, Old Tappan, Rockleigh, Norwood and Harrington Park). The Northvale Police Athletic League is a registered member of the National Police Athletic League. To learn more about the National Police Athletic League and the opportunities they provide to children across the nation, please visit https://nationalpal.org/mission/

 

****As we start this transition, we will be using the NVE website for the 2025 season.  https://nveaglesfootball.com/

 

The future of the programs is upon us and we will face it head strong together with the expectation to advance and enjoy with great pride of our football team. We believe this transition will continue to help strengthen the future of our NVOT Knights Success.

 

Some important information below: 

• Norwood Raiders Registration is now closed effective June 1^st .
• If you have already registered for the Norwood Raiders, please allow some time for us to get back to you on next steps in regards to rolling over your registration.
• Eagles families that have already registered, registration will remain as is. No further steps are needed.  
• Anyone who has not yet registered and is interested in joining this expanded family after June 1^st, please visit https://nveaglesfootball.com/  and register today.
• Important Date: Camp Eagle Senior Sleepaway Camp. Tackle Seniors (7^th/8^Th Grade) expect more information to follow on Camp Eagle Hill Estimated dates 8/25-8/27.
• The League allows for tackle 6 Sessions of no pads team activities to take place throughout June and July. Please be on the lookout for an email from your coaches.
• Weigh-in schedule will not be released until late July or early August. Potential dates  8/28 or 8/29. Location TBD All Tackle Players Must Attend.
• FLAG FOOTBALL:  For Grades K – 2^nd Grade.  Season will begin in September.  Dates TBD.   Coaches will update you with rosters, practice and game schedules as we get closer to September.
• CHEERLEADERS:  Cheerleading representative will communicate transition details and registration information. 

Please be on the lookout for more communications to follow.

 

Thank You,