Pop Warner Little Scholars, Inc.

Overview

Pop Warner Little Scholars, Inc., a nonprofit organization, offers youth football, cheerleading, and dance programs for children aged 5 to 16. Founded in 1929 by Joseph J. Tomlin, the organization is named after Glenn "Pop" Warner, a renowned football coach. The mission of Pop Warner is to provide a safe and structured environment for youth to benefit from team sports, emphasizing the importance of sportsmanship, scholarship, and physical fitness.

History

The organization began as the Junior Football Conference in Northeast Philadelphia, initiated to address local youth vandalism by providing athletic programs. After meeting Glenn "Pop" Warner in 1933, the program was renamed the Pop Warner Conference. It officially became the Pop Warner Little Scholars nonprofit in 1959, emphasizing the equal importance of academic and athletic excellence. In the 1970s, Pop Warner introduced a cheerleading program to include girls, which has grown to include various spirit teams.

Programs and Operations

• Football and Cheerleading Programs: Pop Warner manages over 6,300 tackle football teams, nearly 900 flag football teams, and more than 5,400 cheer and dance squads. Participants are divided into leagues based on age and weight categories. The organization also offers low-cost camps for members.
• Mandatory Play Requirements: A key feature of Pop Warner is the mandatory play policy, ensuring that all participants have the opportunity to engage in games.
• National Competitions: Annual championships for football and cheerleading are held at Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex. Academic excellence is recognized through the All-American Scholar program, honoring top scholars annually.

Governance and Impact

Pop Warner operates with approximately 40,000 volunteers and is the largest youth football and cheerleading organization in the United States. It emphasizes academic achievement by requiring a minimum GPA for participation. The organization awards scholarships and recognizes outstanding academic performance. Despite its inception as a local initiative, Pop Warner has grown nationally and internationally, with teams in several countries.

Legacy

Pop Warner Little Scholars continues to promote the values of academics, sportsmanship, and physical fitness among young participants, reflecting the historical goal of blending athletic engagement with educational focus.