MIDWEST BOOM
FOOTBALL
FAQ
We appreciate your interest in our program. Below, you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions prior to our Showcases, as well as the linemen and 7v7 tryouts. Due to the high volume of participants—over 800 athletes attend our tryouts and showcases—our resources for responding to individual inquiries are limited.
Once an athlete is selected for a team, we will be able to provide more specific information regarding their team placement. For any questions not covered below, please feel free to contact us at info@boomfootball.com.
7v7 & LINEMAN TEAM TRYOUTS QUESTIONS:
Where can I register for tryouts?
BOOMfootball.eventbrite.com
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What 7v7 age division do I register for?
Please register under your current grade. Each tournament has different age divisions which we sort out once teams are selected.
If I make a mistake on the form during tryout registration can I fix it?
Yes. You can login to your Eventbrite account and change any information you need to change. If you are unable to change it there, we will manually make the changes at the event check-in.
Is there walk up registration?
Yes, walk-up registration is available, though we strongly discourage it. Our coaches review and familiarize themselves with athletes before tryouts, including any highlights provided, which is not possible with walk-up registrations. Additionally, many of our events reach full capacity, so we cannot guarantee a spot without pre-registration.
If you choose to register on the day of the event, please arrive at least one hour before the scheduled start time.
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Do I need to purchase a ticket to watch?
No. There is no cost for spectators. We do ask that all spectators stay off the field during all events.
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Do I have to attend multiple tryouts?
We recommend that athletes register for both a tryout and the Best of the Best Showcase. If an athlete is not selected after their initial tryout and feels they did not perform to their full potential, they may register for an additional tryout. However, please note that final team selections are not made until after the Showcase.
What are athletes evaluated at during tryouts?
Athletes will be evaluated on their athleticism, their positional skill, and their ability to compete.
Can athletes try out at multiple positions during tryouts?
For 10U-15U tryouts, athletes are allowed to play on both offense and defense. However, for 18U tryouts, athletes must choose between Quarterback (QB), Offensive Skill (RB/TE/WR), or Defensive Skill (DB/LB).
Since there are typically more openings on the defensive side, athletes have a higher chance of being selected if they try out for a defensive position. When in doubt, we recommend opting for a defensive tryout to increase selection chances.
What do I need at tryouts?
Athletes need cleats and a mouthpiece. QB’s will need to bring their own ball. 7v7 & Lineman Challengers are non-padded so no helmet or shoulder pads are needed.
When will I be notified if I make the team?
Following the tryout, we thoroughly evaluate all film from the event. This review process typically takes about a week. As a result, tryout results will be sent via email the following Monday. Athletes will receive one of the following outcomes: selection to the National Team (travel), the Regional Team (non-travel), an invitation for a callback, or notification that they were not selected at this time.
How many athletes make the team?
Each National 7v7 team has 8-10 offensive skill players (RB, WR, TE), 10-12 defensive players (DB, LB), and 2 QB’s. Each age level has 2-4 teams. For our linemen teams, 10-12 OL and 10-12 DL make each age division. Regional teams have 2 QB and approximately 15-18 skill athletes.
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7v7 Season Questions:
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I play another sport, can I still play 7v7?
Yes, we encourage athletes to cross-train and participate in multiple sports, especially in the early stages of their athletic careers. If you are involved in other sports, we ask that you provide us with a copy of your schedule so we can accommodate any absences.
Additionally, many athletes opt to play on the Regional (non-travel) team in order to focus on their spring sport while still being part of the BOOM program.
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If I make Regional do I have a chance to make National?
Yes. Each year we bring up 10+ athletes from our Regional teams to fill open spots on our National teams.
When does the season start & end?
National teams will start in January and end early May. Regional teams will start late March and end in June.
What is the schedule during the season?
National teams will practice one a week, generally on Sunday’s. We will practice Sunday nights at Westmont Yard during the winter and move to afternoons at College Of Dupage during the Spring. 1-2 times a month we will have a tournament.
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Regional teams will have 1-2 weekday camps in March with practice on Sundays at College of Dupage during the start of the season. League play will take place at Westmont Yard or College Of Dupage. 7th-8th Grade games are Monday or Tuesday nights with 3rd-6th grade games being Wednesday or Thursday. 15u games will be on Saturday mornings.
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Our National tournament schedule is generally released late December / early January.
*10u & 12u National teams will only do the Regional tournaments and the national championships. BOOM Black 18u will be the only team doing OT7.
How much does it cost to play for BOOM?
$600 National 7v7 (Partial fees due before 1st practice mid-January. Full fees due before equipment handout, early February)
$350 Regional 7v7 (Full fees due before first practice in March)
What is included in the cost?
National - Includes uniform and selected gear (to be determined) that adidas provides for us. Traditionally the older the age division, the more gear adidas provides for the athlete. This includes cleats, gloves, training gear, travel suits, mouth pieces, training shoes, slides, and various accessories. Practice and tournament costs are also included in the cost. There is also no additional charge for the college visits, the ACT/SAT prep, the recruiting seminar, etc., that we provide for our athletes.
Regional - Athletes will receive a 7v7 uniform, top & bottom. Practice and league costs are included in the fees.
What is not included in the costs?
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Travel & Hotel Costs: Athletes are responsible for their own transportation to practices, league games, and tournaments. For tournaments within driving distance, we provide 15-passenger vans to assist with transportation—this service is for athletes only. Additionally, we support athletes traveling alone by coordinating transportation to and from the airport and arranging for them to room together at the team hotel. The general cost for a hotel room per tournament weekend is $125-$150 (check-in on Friday, check-out on Sunday or Monday).
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Playing Time: As a competitive 7v7 organization, playing time is earned, not guaranteed. Athletes can expect equal repetitions during practice; however, in tournament play, those who contribute most to the team's success will see playing time.
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Soft-Shell Helmets: National team athletes are required to wear soft-shell helmets during tournaments. While we have a limited supply of helmets available for loan, we recommend that each athlete purchase their own helmet here: https://gamebreaker.com/shop/midwest-boom/
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​Can out of state athletes play for BOOM?
Yes, we recommend the athlete attend the Best Of The Best Showcase. Once selected we will meet with the families to discuss the best plan.
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Lineman Team Season Questions:
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How much does it cost to play for BOOM?
$600 Linemen (Partial fees due before 1st practice. Full fees due before first tournament)
What is included in the cost?
Includes uniform and selected gear (to be determined) that adidas provides for us, including cleats. Practice and tournament costs are included in the fees. There is also no additional charge for the college visits, the ACT/SAT prep, the recruiting seminar, etc., that we provide for our athletes.
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What is not included in the costs?
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Travel & Hotel Costs: Athletes are responsible for their own transportation to practices, league games, and tournaments. For tournaments within driving distance, we provide 15-passenger vans to assist with transportation—this service is for athletes only. Additionally, we support athletes traveling alone by coordinating transportation to and from the airport and arranging for them to room together at the team hotel. The general cost for a hotel room per tournament weekend is $125-$150 (check-in on Friday, check-out on Sunday or Monday).
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Playing Time: As a competitive organization, playing time is earned, not guaranteed. Athletes can expect equal repetitions during practice; however, in tournament play, those who contribute most to the team's success will see playing time.
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Soft-Shell Helmets: National team athletes are required to wear soft-shell helmets during tournaments. While we have a limited supply of helmets available for loan, we recommend that each athlete purchase their own helmet here: https://gamebreaker.com/shop/midwest-boom/
What is the schedule during the season?
Practice will start in February. We will practice every night in the Naperville area on Tuesdays. Once a month starting in March we will have a Lineman Competition event. In years past these events have been held locally, as well as St. Louis, Dallas, Indianopolis, and Des Moines.
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Best Of The Best Showcase Questions:
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Do I have to be on a BOOM team to attend the Showcase?
No. Showcases are open to everyone!
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Where can I register?
You can register at boomfootball.eventbrite.com
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What is done at the Showcases?
We will hold a combine (40 yard dash, short shuttle, & broad jump). We will also have a individual drill period so athletes can showcase their skills. Finally we will have a competition period where athletes compete against their peers.
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Do you have to run at the Combine?
No, We allow athletes to scratch combine events if they choose to.
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Who attends the Showcase to evaluate the athletes?
We have multiple college scouts, college coaches, and recruiting media in attendance at these events. In years past we have had representatives from Rivals, 24/7 Sports, On3, All-American Bowl, National Preps, XOS, as well as coaches from the D2, NAIA, D3, and NJCAA level. D1 coaches will attend our Spring event, but NCAA rules prohibit them from attending our winter event.
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Training Options:
Do you offer training?
Yes we do:
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Football Speed & Agility Training At Acceleration Sports Performance available Monday-Saturday year round. This training is designed to help football players be faster, quicker, and more explosive on the field. Trial Assessments are available Monday-Thursday at 5:00pm or 7:00pm. Email info@accelerationpro.com
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Combine Training is also held at Acceleration Sports Performance to prepare football athletes for combines and college camps. Email info@accelerationpro.com for more information.
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OL/DL Skill Training is available for select athletes to practice with our lineman team. Email info@accelerationpro.com for consideration.
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Football Academy Skill Training (WR, DB, QB, TE, RB, LB) is available Monday & Wednesday nights starting in December. Email info@accelerationpro.com for details.
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Further questions?
Please email info@boomfootball.com