Pop Warner

Pop Warner offers flag and tackle football for kids ages 5-16. Most of the kids who play football in high school start out at Pop Warner.

Pop Warner is open to all players, whether experienced athletes or just trying out football. Players must commit to the entire season, including playoffs if they make it.

The regular season is 14 weeks in the fall, with practices beginning in August. Playoffs for last another 4 weeks. Teams typically practice 3-4 times per week and play games on Saturdays. For the winning teams at each level, the playoffs might be out of state, with the Pop Warner Superbowl at Disney World in Florida.

Pop Warner has very strict rules to keep things fair and fun. Placement in a division is based on a combination of age and weight with room for parent judgement if the child falls in a place between two divisions. Practice hours are strictly limited so that all teams can compete without overdoing the practice. Specific sportsmanship rules apply to the player, coaches and parents. Those who exhibit unsportsmanlike behavior are fined, suspended or expelled from the program.

Once a team is formed, many of the players stay together year after year, as much as possible when some kids grow faster than others.

There are several local leagues. Visit the Pop Warner website for San Diego County to find the league in your area and get started.

Pop Warner also offers cheerleading and dance programs.

Ages: 5-16

Duration: 18 weeks

Start Date: Signups often happen in January or February. Check your local Pop Warner site for details.

Location: Various locations in San Diego County

Contact: Pop Warner San Diego