2026 Great Lakes Championships (November 2026)
Michigan Youth Football Classic II
2026 Great Lakes Championships (November 2026)
Be Crowned the 2026 Great Lakes Champion
The 2026 Great Lakes Youth Football Championships brings together the youth football teams from across Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and the Great Lakes region for a fun, competitive, and professionally operated championship weekend. This is the official year-end finale for programs that want to teach their youth football teams about on-field football competition, high school and college-style game production, and a first-class event experience for developing youth football athletes and families.
Built on the tradition of the Michigan Youth Football Classic (established in 2007), the Great Lakes Championships re-establishes Michigan as the hub for league team-based, youth football development. This event delivers the full experience: fun competition, live streaming, family fun, and the best youth football atmosphere in the Midwest.
Tournament Overview
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Dates: Saturday–Sunday, November 2026 (To be announced, TBA)
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Location: West Michigan City (Final host site announced soon)
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Divisions: 8U, 9U, 10U, 11U, 12U, 13U
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Teams: 8 per division = 48 total teams
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Game Guarantee: 3 games per team
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Team Fee: $550 per team
Tournament Format
3 Guaranteed Games – Elite Championship Weekend
Each team will play 3 full games, designed to balance player safety, rest, and true competitive structure:
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8-Team Bracket per Division
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Day 1: Pool Play (2 games)
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Day 2: Bracket Play (1 guaranteed game — Championship or Placement)
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1-Hour Mid-Day Break
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Minimum 2 hours and 50 minutes rest between games
This format ensures fairness, safety, and competitive balance while giving families a professional tournament experience.
Awards Ceremony:
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Division Champions & Runner-Up Trophies
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MVP & Sportsmanship Awards
Why Bring Your Team
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Championship Atmosphere: Turf stadiums, PA announcers, and game-day energy.
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Expanded Competition: 8 teams per division from across Michigan & neighboring states.
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Professional Coverage: Multi-camera 1st Down Network live streams.
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Family Destination Weekend: attractions and tourism exposure.
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Season Finale Energy: The last and biggest youth football weekend of the year.
Important Details
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3-game guarantee (2 pool + 1 bracket)
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Certified officials & trained EMTs
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Digital live stream access on 1st Down Network
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Championship awards & custom medals
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Registration Deadline: October 25, 2026
Spectator Information
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Blanket Team Gate Admissions Fee: Blanket Team Admissions Fee saves teams money on admission fees.
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Parking: Free on-site and overflow parking available
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Concessions: Full food court, vendors, and hot drinks for fall weather
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Hotels: Hotel partners' rates and team blocks available
Team Registration
Entry Fee: $550 per team. Includes:
Registration Deadline: October 25, 2026
Register Now: michiganyouthfootballclassicII.com
Entry Fee: $550 Per Team
The tournament entry fee is $550 per team, giving programs access to a youth football tournament unlike any other. Powered by AI technology and live streaming, coaches, families, and fans can easily watch games from their hotel rooms or anywhere across the USA, making it easier than ever to follow the action. When you break it down, a team with 25 players pays just $22 per player for an unforgettable weekend of competition, development, and exposure. This fee covers your guaranteed three games, professional operations, and the ultimate preseason football experience.
Tournament Rules – Read Before You Register
The tournament entry fee is $550 per team, giving programs access to a youth football tournament unlike any other. Powered by AI technology and live streaming, coaches, families, and fans can easily watch games from their hotel rooms or anywhere across the USA, making it easier than ever to follow the action. When you break it down, a team with 25 players pays just $22 per player for an unforgettable weekend of competition, development, and exposure. This fee covers your guaranteed three games, professional operations, and the ultimate preseason football experience.
To ensure a fair, competitive, and safe experience for all participants, the Michigan Youth Football Classic II follows a clear set of tournament rules and guidelines. These rules are designed to create an even playing field, protect player safety, and guarantee that every game contributes to the true competitive spirit of the event.
All divisions (8U, 9U, 10U, 11U, 12, and 13U) will follow modified tournament rules tailored for age-appropriate play, true youth football competition, and tournament play development. Coaches, players, and parents are encouraged to review the rules in advance to avoid any misunderstandings during the event. Remember, our format ensures that each division crowns one champion and one runner-up, with the championship game being decided on the field, not by tie-breakers.
Please visit the detailed Rules Tab for information on game length, roster requirements, scoring, tie-breakers, equipment standards, and conduct expectations.