Pop Warner Little Scholars, Inc.

Overview

Pop Warner Little Scholars, Inc. (PWLS) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing youth football, cheer, and dance programs for children aged 5-16. Founded on a mission to combine sports participation with academic excellence, PWLS emphasizes the importance of both the classroom and the playing field.

History

The organization's roots date back to 1929, when Joseph J. Tomlin, a stockbroker and athlete, was approached by factory owners in Northeast Philadelphia to create a program to address local youth vandalism. Initially, Tomlin set up a four-team Junior Football Conference. After the stock market collapse, he dedicated his time to developing the youth program, which by 1933 had grown to 16 teams. This program later came to be named after legendary coach Glenn Scobie "Pop" Warner, who spoke at a clinic for the Junior Football Conference in 1933.

In 1959, Pop Warner Little Scholars was officially incorporated as a national nonprofit organization. The name "Little Scholars" was chosen to emphasize that academic achievement is as important as athletic performance. Over the decades, the organization expanded its reach, introducing cheerleading programs in the 1970s and flag football in the 1980s to complement its tackle football leagues.

Programs and Activities

PWLS offers various programs:

• Tackle Football: Divided into age and weight categories, providing a structured and safe environment for young athletes.
• Flag Football: Initially started for budget-conscious teams, now serves as a training ground for tackle leagues.
• Cheer and Dance: Includes traditional cheerleading, year-round cheerleading, and other performance groups like majorettes and pom squads.
• Academic All-American Program: Recognizes top scholars and athletes who maintain high academic standards. To qualify, participants must have a minimum 96% GPA, with academic performance accounting for 85% of the evaluation and activities for 15%.

Participation and Impact

More than 400,000 children across over 40 U.S. states and several countries participate in PWLS programs annually. The organization emphasizes mandatory play requirements to ensure all participants get significant playing time, promoting inclusivity and teamwork. National championships for football and cheerleading are held annually at Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex in Florida.

Educational Emphasis

PWLS requires participants to maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA, with provisions for exceptions if school administrators believe the program will benefit the student. This underscores the organization's commitment to balancing sports with academic achievement.

Governance and Support

PWLS relies on approximately 40,000 volunteers and coaches to manage its programs, reflecting a strong community-driven approach to youth development. The organization continues to receive support from various sectors, including sports associations and community advocates.