Description
The Hillsborough Jr. Raiders is an independent recreational youth organization serving the community of Hillsborough, NJ, since 1992. The Jr. Raiders offers organized youth activities in flag and tackle football, cheerleading and track & field for youth in grades Kindergarten through 8th. We are committed to teaching the children the skills they need to have fun playing in a safe environment. Our players learn and apply the principals of sportsmanship, teamwork, discipline and dedication. The Jr. Raiders offers opportunities for boys and girls of all skill levels. Our philosophy is that all children need to get into the game. Everyone plays. You do not learn, improve or have fun by only doing a set minimum playing time or watching from the sidelines. We emphasize the fundamentals and progression of skill development, which will prepare them to participate at higher levels of competition as they progress through the different levels within their sport of choice. The Hillsborough Jr. Raiders provides Hillsborough High School student athletes that are prepared for the next level of competition and education.
Our fall Cheerleading program has quads that provide spirit for our football teams and Competition squads for girls who want to take cheer to the next level. Each level of HFL has an associated group of cheer squads, in 2011 there were 14 squads to cheer the players on! We also have the GEMS squad, a cheerleading program with the goal of enriching the lives of special needs individuals. The GEMS provides a safe, fun and positive learning environment. The program focuses on teamwork, encouragement, integrity, and building self confidence. The competition squads cheer for the JR Skylands teams and also compete in individual meets and competition throughout the NJ area. We are extremely proud of the awards and major achievements of the squads. Look at our numerous achievements under the awards and championship section of the website. Our mission is to teach individuals to be exceptional cheerleaders, but most of all, to be exceptional people!
Our fall football program has the instructional and competitive Hillsborough Football League (HFL) which is comprised of teams in flag and tackle. In 2011 we had 19 teams in the HFL. The HFL plays at the Triangle Road Football Complex. We also have two Varsity level teams that play in the Jr. Skylands Conference. These Varsity level teams compete with other conference members who are made up of more experienced 7 th and 8 th graders on Varsity and a JV team made of our more experienced 5 th and 6 th graders. The Jr. Skylands Conference was formed in 2004 with the Jr. Raiders proudly being one of the 5 founding organizations. In 2008 the first State Championship (NJUWYFA) was held and we are very proud of our 2008 Varsity Team for being the first recipient of this championship.
The Spring Track & Field program is an in-town program that focuses on teaching our youth both the field skills and the techniques for running sprints, relays and distance.
Our coaches have all taken the Rutgers S.A.F.E.T.Y. Program and have background checks. Football coaches and players are members of USA Football and the coaches must pass basic knowledge tests in order to coach at any level. The HFL and JR Skylands conferences employ NFHS certified football officials.
