News

Champaign County hosts American Youth Football Regional Championships this weekend

Champaign County hosts American Youth Football Regional Championships this weekend

The event will feature over 50 teams competing in age groups ranging from 6 to 13 years old. Photo: Metro Services


RANTOUL, Ill. (Chambana Today) – The American Youth Football (AYF) Regional Championships are coming to the Rantoul Family Sports Complex from November 21-23, 2025, showcasing top teams from across the Midwest in an exciting display of youth football. The event, which is expected to generate a $1.8 million economic impact for Champaign County, will feature over 50 teams competing in age groups ranging from 6 to 13 years old.

With the Championships moving from the Chicago suburbs to Champaign County this year, local organizers are eager to host the prestigious event. “We are thrilled to host this premiere tournament,” explains Mark Brown, Director of Event Services and Film for Experience Champaign-Urbana. “Our area is well-acquainted with hosting large football tournaments, and we’re excited that American Youth Football has chosen us as their newest partner. The impact this tournament will have on the community will be felt this weekend, with many athletes and families staying in our hotels, enjoying our restaurants, and experiencing all of the brilliant amenities in the region.”

The AYF is the largest youth football and cheer program in the nation. Winning teams from this weekend’s tournament will move on to the national championships in Naples, Florida in December. “These games will showcase why AYF is the premier youth football league in the country,” states Tournament Director Mark Mueller. “The skill level starting at 6 years old until they are 13 years old improves with age. We are excited to celebrate their success and send the best the Midwest has to offer to Naples!”

Tickets for the event are available for $25 through the tournament’s GoFan site. For more information about American Youth Football, visit www.americanyouthfootball.com.

Recent Headlines

20 hours ago in Sports, Trending

NFL division races tighten after a weekend full of surprises and upsets

The race for division titles in the NFL got tighter in Week 13. The Rams, Colts and Steelers became the latest first-place teams to lose Sunday. The Eagles and Ravens lost Thursday. The Patriots play Monday night. Five of the eight divisions have two teams tied for the top spot or separated by less than a game.

20 hours ago in Entertainment

25 holiday TV offerings to watch ranging from comedies to rom-coms and cozy mysteries

Whether you prefer something naughty, like the animated movie "Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer" or nice, like classics "The Sound of Music" and "Home Alone," streamers, cable and broadcast networks offer up festive choices in December.

20 hours ago in Lifestyle, Trending

Why Cyber Monday could break spending records despite economic uncertainty

Deals promoted as some of the best of the holiday season are expected to keep people across the United States glued to their computers and smartphones as the post-Thanksgiving shopping marathon wraps up on Cyber Monday.