History of Pop Warner Little Scholars

Pop Warner football began in 1929, and in 1934 it was named after Coach "Pop" Warner.  Pop Warner Little Scholars follows the philosophy of its namesake, Coach Pop Warner, who believed that athletics and academics go hand in hand.  The only awards in Pop Warner are scholastic achievement awards.  In the 1970s Pop Warner added cheer and dance programs to the football lineup.  Today Pop Warner is an international organization serving over a quarter of a million boys and girls. 

Football Program

Pop Warner Football does not permit tryouts.  However, players must meet requirements for age, weight, and residency in order to participate.  All teams are required to follow rules guaranteeing a certain number of minimum plays for all participants.  Age and weight requirements are listed below.  Age and weight requirements are strictly enforced to ensure a safe program for our children.  Flag football participants must be no younger than 5 years old on July 31 nor older than 6 years old as of the same date.  There are no weight restrictions for flag football or cheer.

Spirit Program

Cheerleaders must meet the same age criteria as the football team with which they are associated.  Participation in the Pop Warner Spirit Program provides kids an opportunity to perform in an organized, supervised, safe environment.  Today, about 120,000 children participate in Pop Warner cheerleading and dance.

Little Scholar Program

Each year, the Pop Warner kids with the best academic achievement compete for Academic All-American status.  In 2002, well over a quarter of a million kids participated in Pop Warner and more than 45,000 reached regional pre-qualifying status for national recognition for scholarship.