PROGRAM LOCATION
The Gladiators football program is based in La Cañada Flintridge, California, and proudly serves athletes throughout the San Gabriel Valley. Team practices take place at St. Francis High School and La Cañada High School, with all home games also hosted at these locations, creating a consistent and community-centered environment for our players and families. The Gladiators will be proud members of the Gold Coast Youth Football League starting Fall 2026.
MISSION
The mission of the La Cañada Gladiators Youth Football and Cheer Program is to develop young athletes through the game of football while instilling the values of discipline, teamwork, accountability, and perseverance. Our program is committed to creating a safe, structured, and competitive environment where players learn the fundamentals of football while developing confidence, leadership, and character.
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We believe youth sports should shape strong individuals both on and off the field. Through dedicated coaching, positive mentorship, and an emphasis on sportsmanship, the Gladiators strive to provide an experience that prepares our athletes for future success in athletics, academics, and life.
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PROGRAM HISTORY
The Gladiators carry a proud and historic legacy within the La Cañada community. From 1968 to 2019, the La Cañada Gladiators competed as members of the San Gabriel Valley Conference of Junior All-American Football, building a tradition that spanned generations. For more than five decades, the program represented discipline, toughness, and community pride while developing young athletes who carried those lessons far beyond the football field.
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Although the program has been inactive for the past several years, the foundation built over decades remains strong. With committed leadership and a clear vision for the future, the Gladiators are poised to return with purpose—honoring the program’s proud history while building the next chapter of excellence.
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The Gladiators program welcomes boys and girls ages 6 to 14 and fields four football teams organized according to strict age and weight guidelines to ensure player safety and competitive balance. All teams are led by an experienced coaching staff dedicated to teaching proper fundamentals, encouraging teamwork, and fostering a positive environment for every athlete.
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While developing football and cheerleading skills is an important focus, the La Cañada Gladiators program places equal emphasis on academic achievement, sportsmanship, and responsible citizenship. All participants are required to maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA throughout the season, reinforcing the importance of balancing athletics with education.
By emphasizing both athletics and academics, the Gladiators strive to develop well-rounded young men and women. Our ultimate goal is to instill strong character, discipline, and scholastic habits that will benefit participants long after their time with the Gladiators has ended.
The program also carries a proud tradition of competitive success, earning multiple conference championships across various divisions, including:
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2016 – Jr. Midget Conference Champions
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2015 – Pee Wee Division Champions
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2014 – Midget Division Champions
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2014 – Jr. Pee Wee Division Champions
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2013 – Gremlin Division Champions
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2012 – Midget Division Champions
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2011 – Jr. Midget Division Champions
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2009 – Pee Wee Division Champions
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2008 – Jr. Pee Wee Division Champions
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2004 – Midget Division Champions
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2003 – Midget Division Champions
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2002 – Midget Division Champions
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1974 – Jr. Pee Wee Division Champions
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1972 – Jr. Pee Wee Division Champions
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These accomplishments reflect the commitment, dedication, and pride that have long defined the Gladiators program.
As the Gladiators return to the field, the mission remains clear: to build strong athletes, strong students, and strong members of the community while continuing a legacy that has meant so much to generations of Gladiator families.
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