Pop Warner Little Scholars Inc

Pop Warner Little Scholars Inc. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing youth football, cheer, and dance programs for children aged five to 16. The organization emphasizes the importance of both athletic participation and academic achievement, aiming to create a holistic development environment for young individuals.

History

The concept of Pop Warner Little Scholars was born out of a need to address social issues in Northeast Philadelphia. In 1929, Joseph J. Tomlin, a young stockbroker from New York, was approached by factory owners to establish a program to engage local youth, thereby reducing vandalism. Initially, a four-team Junior Football Conference was formed, which expanded to 16 teams by 1933. That year, Glenn Scobie "Pop" Warner, a legendary football coach, was invited to speak to the athletes, and the program was eventually renamed the Pop Warner Conference in his honor.

In 1959, Pop Warner Little Scholars was officially incorporated as a national nonprofit organization. The name "Little Scholars" highlights the organization's emphasis on education alongside sports participation. Over the decades, the program has grown significantly, with Walt Disney showcasing its philosophy in a 1960 television special.

Programs

Pop Warner Little Scholars offers various programs:

• Tackle Football: Organized into leagues based on age and weight categories, ensuring safe and fair competition.
• Flag Football: Introduced in the 1980s as an alternative for budget-constrained teams, it now serves as a preparatory ground for tackle leagues.
• Cheer and Dance: Initially introduced in the 1970s for girls, the program includes traditional cheer squads, majorettes, pom squads, and pep squads.

Academic Focus

A key component of the Pop Warner mission is the emphasis on academic achievement. Participants are required to maintain a minimum grade point average, and outstanding students are recognized through the All-American Scholar Program. This program annually honors top scholars by naming them to the National First, Second, and Honorable Mention All-American teams.

Impact and Structure

Today, Pop Warner Little Scholars has over 380,000 participants across the United States and internationally. The organization relies on a network of 40,000 volunteers and coaches to manage its programs effectively. Annual national championships are held at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex in Lake Buena Vista, Florida.

Recognition and Legacy

Pop Warner has been praised for its approach to organized youth sports. The organization's dedication to fostering values such as sportsmanship, teamwork, and academic excellence has earned it recognition as a leader in youth development programs.

Governance and Financials

Pop Warner Little Scholars operates with a board of directors composed of community advocates and industry professionals. The organization is registered with the IRS under EIN 23-1582287.

Challenges and Future Directions

As with many nonprofit organizations, Pop Warner faces challenges in maintaining funding and adapting to changing societal needs. However, its legacy as a premier youth sports organization continues to inspire generations of young athletes and scholars.