FROM THE DESK OF OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Time to Start Again
While some see August as the dreaded last full month of summer, we see it as a beginning. It’s when teams of young people come together to begin their work toward a common goal. Where they prepare physically and mentally for the competition ahead, and where they learn to put the common good of a team ahead of their own personal wishes. We see that in Pop Warner teams across the country every week. It is what makes team sports so important in childhood development. [Read more...]
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A Breathtaking New Home for Super Bowl, Cheer & Dance National Championships |
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While we don’t want this coming season to fly by too fast we know so many of you have already started dreaming of competing in Orlando the first week in December. This year it’s going to be extra special. We announced that moving forward our historic Pop Warner Super Bowl and Cheer & Dance National Championships have an amazing new home: Universal Orlando Resort.
The 60,000-seat Camping World Stadium, which has hosted the NFL Pro Bowl and major college bowl games, will be the feature field during the Pop Warner Super Bowl. And the Orange County Convention Center, one of the nation’s premier event destinations, will host the Pop Warner Cheer & Dance National Championships.
Other highlights of Pop Warner’s new home include:
- Admission to Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure – named the #1 Amusement Park in the World for five years in a row – and home to the all-new Jurassic World VelociCoaster, one of the most extreme coasters ever created and Florida’s fastest and tallest launch coaster.
- Hotel accommodations at one of Universal’s spectacular resort hotels, including the retro-themed Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort featuring two massive pools, a winding river, a bowling alley and more. Plus, you'll enjoy the exclusive benefits of staying in Universal.
- Hosting the spectacular Pop Warner party, a private, after-hours event inside Universal Studios theme park.
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Alumni Feature: Hallie Lange |
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This month we are highlighting former Avalon Pop Warner cheerleader and current Orlando Magic dancer Hallie Lange! Click here to read how Hallie’s Pop Warner experience prepared her for the world of professional cheer and dance. [Read more...]
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Exciting New Partnership with the NFL |
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Late last year, Pop Warner announced a partnership with the NFL to promote proper playing fundamentals. Through the NFL Way to Play initiative, the NFL aims to protect players from unnecessary risk and foster culture change across all levels of football.
The partnership kicked off with a live virtual clinic hosted by NFL Legend LeCharles Bentley where he met with Pop Warner coaches and administrators from across the country, discussing and demonstrating proper technique and drills. Through the partnership, Pop Warner coaches, administrators and players have access to a library of educational videos and other content to utilize as a resource when practicing proper playing technique. To watch the NFL Way to Play videos and for more information, visit http://operations.nfl.com/football-ops/nfl-way-to-play/.
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"The Fox Valley Pop Warner's Challenger League removes challenges so children with disabilities can play football."
Since 2006, the Fox Valley Pop Warner Challenger League has given kids ages 6-18 an opportunity to learn and play football. Listen to the latest episode of the USA Football Podcast to hear how Fox Valley Pop Warner started and the impacts it has had on youth football and players with disabilities over the past 15 years.
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Got Feedback? We're Launching a Community Advisory Board |
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Pop Warner is launching The Pop Warner Community Advisory Board (CAB), a diverse and representative 12-member panel of active Pop Warner participants, including family members, coaches, volunteers and administrators, to foster open discussion and constructive feedback that will work to enhance the Pop Warner experience by increasing engagement at all levels of the organization.
The CAB member application process will run each year from August 15 – August 31. There's still time to apply this year.
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Pop Warner Association Lends Hand to Chicago Neighbor
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The legendary Papa Bear Halas would be proud of this type of team-building. With the goal of giving more kids a chance to play Pop Warner football in Chicago, the suburban Elmhurst Bears Pop Warner association teamed up with Elmhurst University earlier this month to host a football camp that went beyond teaching skills.
A Camp with Purpose, led by Elmhurst University coach Jeff McDonald, raised funds and secured donated equipment to support the Bronzeville Venom from Chicago.
“Our goal is to help support the addition of more children playing football,” said Bob Gollias, president of the Elmhurst Bears program. “We wanted to help our friends at Bronzeville remove barriers to enable more children to play the greatest sport on earth - football.”
The Chicago Bears donated swag and other items to help raise funds during the camp.
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Do you have a story to share?
We'd love to hear what your Pop Warner league or association is up to. Please send any human interest stories to media@popwarner.com.
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Power Music Cheer knows how to mix it up! Sample some of the hottest mixes at the links:
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The Gatorade Performance Partner provides practical solutions to help keep athletes hydrated.
- Ensure athletes get enough fluids to account for additional losses through equipment and extra clothing.
- When intensity is high, provide more water breaks to prevent hypohydration.
- Pay extra attention to warm weather practices and games, and adjust hydration breaks accordingly.
- Monitor acute changes in body mass during exercise bouts to determine sweat rate, adequacy of fluid replacement and fluid needs for recovery.
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Break Through Personality Barriers |
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Do you find it difficult to effectively coach all the different personalities that are on your team? YCADA offers 12 steps to help you better connect with your team over the course of the season. From getting to know your kids, to being fair and consistent in your coaching, to communicating with parents, these 12 steps will help you have a great season. [Read more...]
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Dick's Sporting Goods has partnered with Every Kid Sports to provide income-restricted families financial assistance to cover registration fees and help ensure every kid has a chance to play. [Read more...]
New partner Solaro has education resources that help students succeed, and is offering a steep discount to Pop Warner families. [Sign up today...]
WatchGameFilm offers unlimited videos, storage, documents, photos and, more... for just $100 per team for 12 months. [Learn more...]
Every season is one to remember, and Fanbooks gives you the tools to create an official year book for your team [Begin creating...]
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