==> *FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS*
student, or a private school student at a school that does not have a football team. You may take no more than 2 credit bearing courses from a public or private school. You may not play in games vs. public school opponents until you have been homeschooled for 365 consecutive days (prior to that you may practice and play vs. other homeschool programs). AGE: Players must be 12-14 years old on July 1st prior to the season to play on the Junior High team. Players get 4 years of high school eligibility, and may be no older than 18 on July 1st prior to the season. We also offer spring flag football for boys ages 9-12, and fall flag football for boys ages 8-11. DO WE HAVE TO BE MEMBERS OF THE LIGHTHOUSE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY CO-OP? No, any homeschool student can join Lighthouse Christian Athletics. LCA Homeschool Co-op is a separate organization. WHERE ARE PLAYERS FROM? Players are from all over the southwest Missouri region. We have students from Springfield, Joplin, Bolivar, Marshfield, Rogersville, Ozark, Branson, Nixa, Republic, and elsewhere. We also include families from as far away as West Plains and Jefferson City! This is a ministry with impact on the lives of young men and their families. We are grateful that families travel from hours away to be a part of it! WHERE ARE THE COACHES FROM? Our amazing coaching staff is made up of parents, alumni & volunteers. Because of this we practice in the evenings when they are home from work! WHAT EQUIPMENT IS REQUIRED? Players must provide cleats, a mouth guard, a girdle, and game socks. All other equipment (Helmet, Shoulder Pads, uniforms, etc. are provided by the Chargers. WHEN IS PRACTICE? We practice on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Fridays during the pre-season. Friday practices end when the varsity games begin (so that everyone can go to the game)! Wednesday nights are family / church nights, and occasionally there will be a Saturday game. WHERE DO WE PRACTICE? For the 2023 season we will practice at our new practice field being built at Fellowship Farm (East of Fellowship Bible Church, 4855 S Farm Road 205, Rogersville, MO)! WHEN ARE GAMES? Varsity plays on Friday nights (with an occasional Saturday game)
Junior Varsity (JV) and Junior High play on various night depending on scheduling. WHERE ARE GAMES? Home games are played locally at rented stadiums (Springfield Catholic, Ozark, Hollister, etc.) based on their home/away schedules. WHO DO WE COMPETE AGAINST? We play local and regional public schools, as well as other homeschool teams such as the OKC Homeschool Patriots (Oklahoma City, OK), and the Christ Prep Patriots (Kansas City, KS), and the Tomball Christian Warriors (Tomball, TX). DO I NEED INSURANCE? The team only has general liability insurance, you must have your own medical insurance. WHAT OTHER PAPERWORK IS NEEDED? You must sign a waiver, have a current sports physical, and agree to our player and parent codes of conduct. HOW DOES THE TEAM COMMUNICATE INFORMATION? All communication takes place via the TeamSnap.com website and App. Registration is additionally done via the TeamSnap.com website. The schedule (practice, game, and other events) is maintained on TeamSnap.com. E-mails and messages are sent via the TeamSnap.com website and app. DO THE CHARGERS TAKE PART IN THE MISSOURI HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PLAYOFFS? No, we are not allowed to complete in the playoffs. We are approved competition for MHSAA teams, but not a full member. Instead we are a member of the NHFA (National Homeschool Football Association), which holds a national tournament in Panama City Beach, Florida every year. THAT'S AWESOME, WHEN IS THE NHFA TOURNAMENT? The NHFA Tournament is the week prior to Thanksgiving every year. Varsity players must take part in the tournament. We practice in Florida on Tuesday and Wednesday. The semi-final round is Thursday, followed by the championship round on Saturday. We will play 2 games. HAVE WE EVER WON THE TOURNAMENT? Yes, we have won 5 NHFA National Championships: 2008, 2009, 2013, 2014 & 2021
PROGRAM HISTORY:
2006 Team Established, first season
2007 NACA Division III 8-man National Champions (National Association of Christian Athletes)
2008 NHFA NATIONAL CHAMPIONS
2009 NHFA NATIONAL CHAMPIONS
2010 NHFA Homeschool Bowl Champions (3rd in nation)
2011 NHFA Homeschool Bowl Champions (3rd in nation)
2012 NHFA Homeschool Bowl Champions (3rd in nation)
2013 NHFA NATIONAL CHAMPIONS
2014 NHFA NATIONAL CHAMPIONS
2015 NHFA Runner Up, 2nd Place in Nation
2016 NHFA Fourth Place
2017 NHFA All Homeschool Division Champions (Division II / 5th in nation)
2018 NHFA Division II Champions (5th in nation)
2019 NHFA Fourth Place
2020 NHFA Homeschool Bowl Champions (3rd in nation)
2021 NHFA NATIONAL CHAMPIONS
2022 NHFA Homeschool Bowl Champions (3rd in nation)
ARE THERE ANY OTHER CHARGER SPORTS? Lighthouse Christian Athletics also has baseball, basketball, cross country, cheerleading, soccer, track & volleyball. You can get more info at: www.LCAChargers.com! DO I HAVE TO BE A CHRISTIAN TO JOIN THE TEAM? Players and families who are not believers, or aren't sure what they believe are welcome. We are a Christian sports ministry, and will espouse Christian values, pray together, and keep the word of Jesus as our foundation. Our vision is to develop strong Christian character in our athletes. Our purpose is to bring glory and honor to Jesus while encouraging athletes to be personally responsible for their actions and to work with other athletes as a team in competing against other teams in athletics. We are Chargers- for the Lord... Our belief in Christ shows in our play, our work ethic, and our team. Here it’s God first, Family second, and Football third! We would love to hear from you, and are always looking for more Chargers! GO CHARGERS!
