Pop Warner Little Scholars, Inc.

Pop Warner Little Scholars, Inc. (PWLS) is a U.S.-based nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting youth football, cheerleading, and dance programs, emphasizing both athletic excellence and academic achievement. The organization was officially incorporated as a national nonprofit in 1959.

Background

The origins of PWLS date back to 1929 when Joseph J. Tomlin, a stockbroker and accomplished athlete, was approached by factory owners in Northeast Philadelphia to address local youth vandalism. Tomlin proposed and established a four-team Junior Football Conference, which quickly expanded to 16 teams by 1933. That year, Tomlin met legendary football coach Glenn Scobie "Pop" Warner during a spring clinic for the conference. Warner's dedication to youth football and his attendance in adverse weather conditions inspired the renaming of the program to the Pop Warner Conference.

Programs

Pop Warner Little Scholars offers various programs designed for children aged 5 to 16, including:

• Youth Football: Participating children are divided into age and weight categories, featuring both tackle and flag football options. The tackle football categories range from Tiny-Mites (5-7 years) to Bantams (13-15 years).
• Cheer and Dance: Programs include traditional cheerleading, year-round cheerleading, along with performing groups like majorettes, pom squads, and pep squads.
• Academic All-American Program: This initiative recognizes outstanding scholastic achievements among participants. Applicants must maintain a minimum 96% GPA to qualify for All-American status.

Philosophy and Mission

The core mission of PWLS is to provide a structured environment for youth to benefit from team sports while emphasizing fundamental values of sportsmanship, scholarship, and physical fitness. The organization emphasizes that "the classroom is as important as the playing field," reflecting its commitment to both athletic development and academic excellence.

Operations and Reach

Today, Pop Warner Little Scholars spans across over 43 states in the U.S. and six countries, involving more than 380,000 children. The organization's activities are supported by approximately 40,000 volunteers and coaches. Each year, national championships for football, cheer, and dance are held at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, Florida.

Academic Standards

To ensure an emphasis on education, PWLS mandates that participants maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA or its equivalent. Exceptions can be made if school administrators believe involvement will benefit the child academically.

Legacy and Impact

Pop Warner Little Scholars has been widely recognized for its focus on youth development, both on and off the field. The organization's commitment to academic excellence alongside athletic skill has made it a model for youth sports programs nationally.

[1] https://www.encyclopedia.com/books/politics-and-business-magazines/pop-warner-little-scholars-inc [2] https://www.pgpedia.com/p/pop-warner-little-scholars [3] https://www.popwarner.com/Default.aspx?tabid=1579750 [4] https://www.guidestar.org/profile/23-1582287 [5] https://www.popwarner.com/Default.aspx?tabid=1476387