Pop Warner Facts & Safety
Did you know that 70% of NFL players got their start in Pop Warner football? Join a program that builds skills, confidence, and a path to success—on and off the field!
about pop warner
The Pop Warner organization provides the opportunity to play against the best regional and national competition. 70% of NFL Players began their careers playing Pop Warner football according to the NFL players association. With millions of alumni chances are someone that you know or admire came from Pop Warner, such as: Peyton Manning, George Kittle, Lamar Jackson, Justin Simmons, and Colin Kaepernick to name just a few.
Currently, an estimated 75-80% of youth football nationally follows an age-only structure.
Pop Warner has active programs in 42 states and 7 different countries, and provides football for over 425,000 kids aged 5-16 years old. It is the LARGEST youth football organization in the United States.
Weight vs. Age Based Play
No need to cut weight or "play up" because of a player’s size. We are proud to have led the trend in youth football in our area doing away with that archaic line of thinking. Athletes play with kids their own age, at the youngest possible level in order to have the best chance of success. We offer 1 to 2 teams at every age level from 6U thru 13U, so your 9 year old doesn't have to play with 12 year olds.
did you know...
Safer Than Youth Soccer
Pop Warner football has 12% fewer injuries per capita among 5-14 year-olds compared to organized soccer (per U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission).
Limited Contact Practices
Contact is restricted to only 25% of practice time to reduce injury risk.
Eliminating High-Risk Plays
No full-speed, head-on tackling or blocking drills to prioritize player safety.
Certified Coaching
All North Side Elite coaches are USA Football-certified and trained in the Heads Up Football initiative.
Strict Concussion Protocols
Any player with a suspected head injury must receive medical clearance before returning to play.