Challenger Football
"Huddle up" for a team full of winning smiles!
"Gridiron rough stuff" isn't for everybody. But the UDS Challenger Football League sure is. CFL is the ultimate team sport – an exciting, energizing, heartwarming opportunity for young people ages 5 to 25 with physical and/or developmental disabilities in Lancaster County, PA. Come watch as they take the field and play their hearts out to cheering fans, and even cheerleaders! A season full of fun each Saturday from August through October.
Learning the game while reveling in team spirit
CFL teaches football fundamentals – and cheerleading basics – so everybody's playing from the same playbook. More importantly, every player gets to experience the rewards and positive feeling of pulling together as a team, to a cheering crowd and the encouragement of their peers. CFL rules of play are simple: every player participates to their level of achievement, and everyone gets their time in the spotlight – with a big play, a touchdown, or a cheer just for them. Everybody scores. Everybody wins. A true expression of "it's how you play the game!"
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2012 CFL Schedule
Games are played Saturdays at 10a.m. at either Manor Church (530 Central Manor Rd, Lancaster) or Grace Church (501 West Lincoln Ave, Lititz)
Our season runs from August through September. Please check back later this year and the actual dates will be posted here.
Challenger cheerleader practice
Begins at 9:15 before each game
There's even an end-of-season banquet celebration
The smiles continue after the season's final play is run! Thanks to community sponsors and volunteers, we have a special celebration to honor the players. Every player receives a certificate of achievement and awards to remember the season by. And, we also recognize the incredible support of sponsors, families, and the over 30 volunteers that help each week.
Counties served in Pennsylvania
LancasterFor more information
Contact UDS at 888-UDS-4235 or email us at ResourceCenter@udservices.org.Become a CFL "Buddy," and get in the game!
Think you've got what it takes to be part of the CFL? We sure do! Because all it takes is a little time, a big heart, and a playful spirit to be a CFL Buddy. To help push exhilirated players around the field or into the end zone, help out with a pass, a catch, or a hand-off – maybe even a "trick play!" A bit of your time on a Saturday morning makes a big impact on some very special people.
Come to a game and see for yourself. We sure could use the help. There's no obligation to come back, but experience tells us you just might!
Give a Gift
UDS needs yourfinancial support
Or help out with our other activities
If smiles on young faces touch your heart, we also need help with our other activities throughout the year, such as drama and summer camp.
If you and/or someone you know might be interested in creating smiles, contact the development department at 800-995-9581 or email us at ResourceCenter@udservices.org. In most instances, this program can count toward required school community services projects.