NFL Teams Help Celebrate Pop Warner's 90th Season

It might seem hard to believe, but last year Pop Warner entered its 90th season playing youth football. That means millions of young people have had the opportunity to play, learn and grow from the sport for nearly a century. And even amid the sport’s evolution during that time, Pop Warner’s mission has always remained the same: to shape well-rounded student athletes who excel on the field and in the classroom.

“Pop Warner has had a significant impact on youth football by emphasizing both academics and athletics,” said ACC Commissioner John Swofford. “Celebrating 90 years is an incredible milestone, and we congratulate this organization for its continued good work over the past nine decades.”

To mark the milestone, Pop Warner partnered with NFL franchises across the country to honor youth football by hosting Pop Warner scrimmages during halftime, sharing a video tribute in stadium, conducting pre-game recognitions and celebrating Pop Warner on social media.

“Pop Warner football has been a staple for millions of young people from our nation’s inner-city neighborhoods, suburban towns and rural communities for 90 years,” said Jon Butler, Pop Warner Little Scholars’ executive director. “Thanks to the commitment of thousands of volunteers, young people have not only developed athletic skills and competed in a great sport, but also learned important life lessons, which is what we’re most proud of. We look forward to continuing our mission of enabling young people to benefit from participating in team sports and activities in a structured environment for many years to come.”

“Like the game itself, Pop Warner embodies a spirit of innovation,” USA Football CEO Scott Hallenbeck said. “Its forward thinking encompasses USA Football coach certification, smarter practice guidelines and embracing our American Development Model for greater physical literacy and skill development. We’re inspired to stand with Pop Warner’s leadership and will continue to serve the players and families of Pop Warner programs for another 90 years.”

“Pop Warner has demonstrated a genuine passion for helping young people grow through the game of football,” said National Council of Youth Sports Executive Director Wayne B. Moss. “The organization has been in the forefront of providing best practices and policies that help lead to the success of young athletes both on and off the playing field.”