Pop Warner Little Scholars, Inc.

Pop Warner Little Scholars, Inc., commonly known as Pop Warner, is a nonprofit organization that provides youth activities in American football, cheerleading, and dance. It is named after legendary football coach Glenn Scobie “Pop” Warner, who significantly contributed to the organization's early development.

Formation and History

Pop Warner Little Scholars, Inc. was formed in 1929 by Joseph J. Tomlin as a solution to local youth vandalism in Northeast Philadelphia. Initially called the Junior Football Conference, it was renamed the Pop Warner Conference in 1933 after Pop Warner spoke at one of its clinics. The organization was officially incorporated as a nonprofit in 1959, adopting the name Pop Warner Little Scholars to emphasize the importance of academic achievement alongside athletic participation.

Over the years, Pop Warner has grown into the largest youth football organization in the United States, actively operating in over 40 states and several foreign countries. It has expanded to include significant cheer and dance programs, known collectively as the Pop Warner Spirit Program. This program was introduced in the 1970s to provide a broader range of activities for young participants, including traditional cheerleading squads, year-round cheerleading squads, majorettes, and dancing teams.

Programs and Participation

Pop Warner offers programs for children aged 5 to 16, with participation divided into several age and weight categories:

Safety and Academic Focus

Pop Warner emphasizes both safety and academic achievement. It requires participants to maintain a minimum grade point average of 2.0, though exceptions can be made. The organization has implemented various safety measures to reduce head injuries in football, including banning kickoffs and restricting younger players from using certain stances.

In recent years, concerns over concussions and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) have led to changes in gameplay rules and an increased focus on flag football as an alternative for younger children.

Recognition and Championships

Pop Warner annually recognizes outstanding scholars and athletes through its All-American Scholar Program, which honors top achievers in both academics and sports. The organization also hosts national championships for football and cheer and dance competitions at Disney's ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.

Mission and Impact

Pop Warner Little Scholars, Inc. aims to provide a safe and structured environment for children to engage in team sports and activities, promoting values such as sportsmanship, scholarship, physical fitness, self-discipline, teamwork, and friendship. With over 400,000 participants, it plays a significant role in fostering physical and educational development in young individuals.