Pop Warner Football begin in 1929 with four teams in Northeast Philedelphia. In 2004 more than 240,00 children participated and the numbers continue to grow. Pop Warner Little Scholars focuses on the team accomplishments rather than the individual statistics, teaching children the values of team play.
Pop Warner Little Scholars requires that player have a 2.0/70% grade point average in order to play football. Students who are unable to maintain this average may fill out a Scholastic Eligibility Form and have it signed by their school administrator.
Pop Warner Football plays within strict age and weight categories. The divisions are as follow:
- Tiny-Mite: ages 5-7, 35-75 pounds
- Mitey-Mite: ages 7-9, 45-90 pounds
- Junior Peewee: ages 8-10, 55-100 pounds
- Peewee: ages 9-11, 70-100 pounds
- Junior Midget: ages 10-12, 80-130 pounds
- Midget: ages 11-14, 95-150 pounds
- Junior Bantam: ages 12-14, 115-165 pounds
- Unlimited: ages 12-16, 150+ pounds
- Bantam: ages 13-15, 130-175 pounds
For children who are older, but lighter, see the Age & Weight Matrix on the Pop Warner Football Web site.
For children who wish to play football without the serious contact of tackle football, Pop Warner Football offers flag football in the following age divisions:
- Cub: ages 5-7
- Bobcat: ages 8-10
- Wildcat: ages 11-13
- Panther: ages 14-16
To find a local Pop Warner Football League, visit the League Finder on the Pop Warner Web site.
Pop Warner offers children a safe environment in which to learn the rules and develop the skills of football while having fun with other children. They are also unique in encouraging academic achievement with their Scholastic Fitness requirements. If you have a child who wants to play football, Pop Warner Little Scholars Football is a good choice to teach him the importance of fair play and academics while he learns and enjoys the game.