FROM THE DESK OF OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Giving Thanks
Last week millions of families across the country gathered for Thanksgiving, sharing the day with people who are important in our lives. The centerpiece was the food – turkey, stuffing and my favorite, cranberry sauce – and football.
But this year there was a heavy helping of gratitude.
For nearly two years we battled through the most challenging public health crises of our lifetime. The pandemic took so much from so many, including the loss of loved ones, the disruption of school or added financial distress. We’re not completely out of the woods and we need to remain vigilant but there’s a lot to be grateful for, including the return of normalcy for our kids and sports . [Read more...]
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CHAMPIONSHIP NEWS & NOTES
A New Era Begins in Orlando
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Pop Warner National Championship Officially Moves to Universal Orlando Resort, Camping World Stadium and Orange County Convention Center.
The Pop Warner Super Bowl and National Cheer & Dance Championships combine to draw 10,000 Pop Warner student-athletes and their families from around the country each year. This year, Pop Warner athletes and families will get to experience world-class attractions as part of Universal Orlando’s award-winning theme parks and destination-wide amenities. [Read more...]
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Football Bracket Release
Wednesday, December 1 at 8pm EST
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Cheer & Dance Order of Performance Release
Wednesday, December 1 at 2pm EST
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Order Spectator Tickets Now and Save!
A single day ticket, purchased in advance, is just $10. A length-of-event ticket, purchased in advance, is $25. Prices go up once the event begins, so order today. Click here for ticket information.
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Official Event Website
Check in on the event at www.popwarnersuperbowl.com. You'll find competition schedules, brackets and other event information. We'll update the site daily with results for both football and cheer & dance.
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Watch the Live Stream on FloSports
Tune into FloSports to catch all the action of the championship events from Orlando. A single subscription gets you access to both FloFootball and FloCheer coverage. Here's how you can watch:
TV: Download the FloSports TV app on Roku, Apple TV 4, and Amazon Fire TV
Mobile: Download the FloSports iOS and Android apps
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UEP to Provide Event Photography
You can get all your event photos from UEP, the official event photographer.
National Cheer & Dance Championships: You’ll be able to view and purchase photos immediately after your performance using touch screen kiosks. Purchase all of the action photos from your routine for one price and share them with your team! With on site delivery you can take your order home with you!
Super Bowl: Touch screen kiosks will be available at the stadium during the Super Bowl. UEP will also make football photos available to view and purchase online at www.uephd.com shortly after each game.
For all the details related to pre-orders, team packages and custom items, please visit www.uephd.com.
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Event Merchandise Now Available
You can now order merchandise before the event. Pre-sales end Thursday night at midnight. On-site pick up at the event is available. Check out our national championship collection at Pop Warner Shop.
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Pop Warner Show Coming to FS1
Pop Warner will be featured on a one-hour special set to air on FS1 on December 24 at 7:00pm EST. The show will feature highlights from the event, special features, exclusive interviews and more. Be sure to tune in. Check your channel guide.
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Do You Have a Story? We Want to Hear!
Championship week is our favorite week of the year and not just because we get to celebrate the wins and successes on the field or mat, but those off of it. Over the years, we’ve had incredible stories of resilience, encouragement and inspiration emerge -- from teams that have created immense impact in their communities to individuals who have overcome great adversity.
Do you have an inspirational or encouraging story to share? If so, we want to hear from you. Please send your stories to [email protected].
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VETERANS DAY
A Thank You to Our Pop Warner Military Families
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It was the day before Thanksgiving as Jada King and the rest of the Oceanway Buccaneer Pee Wee cheer team put the final touches on their performance for the Southwest Regional Championships. Following practice, Jada and her aunt hopped in the car and took the two-hour drive from Tampa to Orlando, the site of regionals and the location of a surprise awaiting Jada. Waiting for her was her mom, an active member in the United States Navy.
Overcome with joy and emotion, Jada ran into her mother's arms – a long-anticipated embrace familiar not only to Jada, but many of our Pop Warner athletes whose loved ones have made the ultimate sacrifice. We are grateful to have so many brave military members in our community, including coaches and parents from the Jacksonville Beach Jaguars, the Barrington Eagles, the Plainville Colts, the Eastwood Grizzlies, the Colorado Springs Vikings, the Belleview South Marion Rattlers and so many more. And to all of you, we say thank you. While we celebrated Veteran’s Day nearly three weeks ago, we are eternally thankful for your service every day.
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BREAST CANCER AWARENESS
The Pink Lemonade Stand
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At seven, Brynne Rhodes, a cheerleader for the Palos Verdes (CA) Mavericks, held her first lemonade stand. But it wasn’t just any lemonade stand. It was a pink one with a purpose: to #BeTheEnd of breast cancer.
Breast cancer impacts nearly one in eight women, and for Brynne, it has impacted many of the women in her life including her mom, aunt and both grandmothers. Brynne started The Pink Lemonade Stand Challenge after learning of her mom’s diagnosis in 2016, which began a nationwide challenge for others to turn their own lemonade stands pink and support the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Raising just $100 at the start, Brynne's pink lemonade stand spread across the country, reaching more than $100,000 in total funds for breast cancer research.
Brynne and the Mavericks are just one of many inspiring teams spreading awareness for breast cancer. Throughout October, we saw many teams across Pop Warner support this ever-important cause, such as The Wolcott Youth Football & Cheerleading Association, who raised more than $2,000 through Pink Out Games, bake sales and other fundraisers.
Each year, we are amazed by the good that our Pop Warner family does for its local communities. We are lucky to have such passionate and inspiring athletes, families, coaches and volunteers. Together we can continue to make positive change!
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I Volunteer Because...
Pop Warner wouldn't exist without the tireless effort of our wonderful volunteers. We love to celebrate these remarkable community leaders. This month we feature:
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Tommy Johnston, President, Greater Jacksonville Pop Warner
Region: Southeast
I volunteer because:
- I love my community.
- I remember the volunteers/coaches who had an impact on my life growing up and appreciate their time and effort.
- I strive to make a positive impact on the kids I coach.
- The volunteers around me have become family.
- It’s just plain fun!
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Want to go to the Super Bowl? Panini is searching for its next Super Bowl Kid Reporter. Enter now and you and your kid could both score a trip to Super Bowl LVI or win other great prizes. Pop Warner athletes can enter with a special one-time code. [Get the code...]
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