Bel Air Terps Football and Cheerleading

Registration for the 2026 season is now open for all players.

Returning player registration opens around the end of January, and typically last two weeks.

Registration for new players begins in February and will remain open until each age group is full.

These dates are subject to change. 

Please check out our Facebook page for Registration and other updates and useful information.

Cost per player is $225. We do not offer a multiple player discount.

Each registrant receives two new game jerseys, a pair of pad-in game pants, and the ability to borrow equipment. Practice jerseys, mouth pieces, girdles, and practice pants are not included in the registration fees.

Not unless the circumstances fall under our standard refund policy umbrella. Here is our stated refund policy that is described in each of our registration programs:

REFUND POLICY: No refunds will be issued unless the program is canceled, the participant moves out of state, or a serious injury prevents the player's participation, prior to the start date of the program.

The minimum age requirement to play football for the Terps is 5 years old. The age determination date is August 1st.

Each player must have the following:

Football Helmet & Chin Strap
Shoulder Pads
TETHERED Mouthguard (Mouthpiece MUST be attached to the helmet)
Girdle/Jockstrap & Protective Cup
Padded/Integrated practice pants
Practice Jersey
Cleats (and socks)

Water Bottle for games and practices

Optional Gear/Accessories:

Gloves
Compression shirt or pants
Equipment bag
Visor (MUST be 100% clear.  Not slight tint of any color)
Back plate or Rib Protector

Each family can rent a helmet and set of shoulder pads for each season. We require a postdated check of $250 that is collected during equipment handouts, and that is returned to each family at the conclusion of the season when the equipment has been returned. The program does not provide practice jerseys or practice pants. Both are available for purchase at Dick's Sporting Goods, Play It Again Sports, or any sports retailer.

Typically, we hand out equipment in July, before our Full Contact Camp.

For the 2026 season, practice and player evaluations will start on July 27th.

Coaches will determine how many days are needed for player evaluations.

When the season starts, most teams have 5 practices during the week, and when school or week 1 starts, teams can only have 3 practices per week.

It's extremely important to attend practices.  Not attending a practice, your player will miss important information, and it could affect playing time or a starting position.

Bottomline, if your family takes a vacation in the month of August, your player will unfortunately be behind those that did attend practice.  While we can't tell you when to take a vacation, we highly suggest taking summer vacation in June or July.

• UCYFL 2026 League Dates:
  • Preseason start date: July 27, 2026 (August 1st is a Saturday)
  • UCYFL Schedule Start Date: August 28/29, 2026
  • UCYFL Championships: November 14, 2026

Each age group will hold its own player evaluations starting on August 1st, and can take up to three days. We use multiple drills to evaluate a players' skill set, football ability, and football knowledge. Players will be placed on the appropriate team at the conclusion of evaluations.

At the conclusion of evaluations, your Head Coach will call or email your family.

The Terps play in the Upper Chesapeake Youth Football League.

www.ucyfl.com

Each team color designates what level team it is and what League Division it plays in.

Game jerseys and pants will be handed out before the Week #1 of the regular season regardless of when the Program receives them. We need the time to accommodate sizing issues, mis-ships-ships, etc.

Each player will keep their number year after year assuming that a returning player registers and pays before open registration. Once open registration starts, there is no guaranteeing of jersey numbers.

The Bel Air Terps operate under the guidelines of the Bel Air Recreation Committee, not Harford County Public Schools. When inclement weather is forecasted or happening and the Program needs to change, delay, or cancel a Program event, the Program will send an email out through our website, and through all Social Media outlets. It is to be assumed that if there hasn't been any communication from the Program, an event will take place as scheduled. In the event that lightening has been spotted at an event, the area will be cleared, and will be delayed until there has been an elapsed time of 30 minutes without lightening.

Yes. Each family is required to volunteer in the concession stand throughout the season. This is covered in the Parents Code of Conduct that is digitally signed during player registration. Our Program is only as strong as it's volunteer base, and the Terps have the best volunteers in the State! We are always looking for managers to assist the Board of Directors. If you are interested, please contact us at nickf@belairrec.org

A child volunteer must be 13 years or older to volunteer in the concession stand. Please contact the Concession Director to get signed up at concessions@belairterps.com.