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By NOAH WORTHAM | Managing Editor 

ALABASTER – Children hoping to take part in the Alabaster Parks and Recreation Department’s youth football and cheerleading programs don’t have to wait much longer as registration begins on Monday, April 29.

Registration for 2024 Thompson youth football and cheer begins on April 29 and lasts until Monday, May 27 and can be found online at Cityofalabaster.com/172/Football. and Cityofalabaster.com/170/Cheer.

“The youth football and cheer programs are some of our most popular youth sports each year, and we’re so excited to host both programs in the newly renovated Larry Simmons Stadium this upcoming season,” said Neal Wagner, public relations manager for the city of Alabaster. “The players, cheerleaders and fans will get to enjoy arguably the best youth football facility in the state, new ticket booths, restroom facilities, concession stands and parking areas this year.”

Youth football registration is for first through sixth graders in the 2024-2025 school year but kindergartners who have turned 6 prior to Aug. 1 will be able to play with first and second graders in the Rookie 1 division, according to information found on the Alabaster Parks and Recreation department website.

“The football program at Thompson High School has had a tremendous amount of success over the last several years, and our youth football program really is the lifeblood of that success,” Wagner said. “We have a great partnership with the Alabaster City Schools Athletic Department, and love seeing Alabaster kids start in our youth football program and then go on to success at TMS (Thompson Middle School) and THS.”

Cost to play football is $225, and all players must play for the member park community in which they reside, or for the private school which they attend. Home games will take place at Larry Simmons Stadium at 10019 Highway 119.

“Last year was our first season hosting youth football and cheer at Larry Simmons—while the renovation project was still ongoing—and we got lots of compliments from the players, fans and visitors,” Wagner said.

Thompson youth cheer is open to girls in kindergarten through sixth grade. Those looking to register a kindergartener must call the office and kindergarteners must turn 6 before Aug. 2 to be eligible. Kindergarteners will cheer alongside first and second graders.

Cost for youth cheer is $225 for the first child. A multi-child discount is offered for 10 percent after the oldest child is paid in full.

“We just encourage anyone whose children may be interested in playing football or cheerleading to go ahead and register once it opens on April 29,” Wagner said. “Our parks and recreation department does a fantastic job with both programs, and really makes it special for the kids.”