Fallbrook Pop Warner prepares for the fall season

FALLBROOK – “Hard work pays off.” That’s the motto of the Fallbrook Pop Warner Youth Football and Cheer program. For more than 60 years, Fallbrook’s Pop Warner league has inspired thousands of kids to become better athletes, students and members of society. 

When the pandemic first hit, most youth sports leagues were not immune from the shutdowns that soon followed. In addition to schools and businesses, youth sports organizations were also forced to suspend their programs. Sadly, calling off the entire 2020 season caused many of them to downsize. Some leagues even closed for good. Thankfully, Fallbrook Pop Warner managed to weather the storm. And despite lower-than-normal participation numbers in 2021, FPW expects to be back at full capacity for their 2022 Fall Tackle Football and Cheer program.

With life returning to normal, FPW has had a chance to make some exciting changes and improvements to the organization. Starting with an entire new board of directors made up of 12 local professionals and parents, past league director Doug Berger has been elected to serve as the association’s president once again. Some residents may remember the annual “Lorenzo Neal Pop Warner Golf Tournaments” he organized years back which brought dozens of NFL football players and other celebrities to Fallbrook to raise money for the league.

In addition to restructuring leadership, FPW has planned some exciting events that will take place before and during the season. Meanwhile, more resources are being applied to recruiting new participants and coaches for both cheer and football. Last but certainly not least, the league just purchased all new player equipment for the 2022 season.

Of course, none of these improvements are as significant as maintaining and executing FPW’s primary objective: teaching fundamental values, skills and knowledge that young people will use throughout their lives. Kids who apply themselves to this program will learn teamwork, dedication, and a superior work ethic in the classroom and on the playing field, all while having fun playing football or performing cheer routines on the sideline.

Implementing these skills and values takes knowledge, persistence, and patience. That’s why the entire staff completes a comprehensive evaluation and training program that is presided over by Pop Warner’s local and national governing bodies. Starting with an interview with the board of directors, all Pop Warner coaches and volunteers undergo a national background check, CPR and first aid classes, and fundamental training courses that include player safety and health training.

Additionally, they have adopted the USA Football “Heads Up” program which is designed to make the sport safer by reducing contact, all while teaching the game based on an athlete’s age and the skills they are learning.

Although FPW’s purpose has always been to provide a platform for the kids in the community to build social and leadership skills, having fun is among the top priorities of this organization. “If we can teach these attributes while ensuring each football player and cheerleader has a fun and memorable experience, then we have accomplished our goal,” said Berger.

FPW serves kids from the ages 5 through 14. Parents can sign their child up starting March 1 by logging onto http://www.fallbrookpopwarner.org. Early registration, sibling and military discounts are available to those who qualify. Practices begin on Aug. 1 while the season officially kicks off, with the first game taking place, on Sept. 3.

Additional information regarding registration can be attained by emailing [email protected]. Meanwhile, if anyone is interested in becoming a coach or volunteer, they can send a request to [email protected]. Head coach interviews will begin in April.

Everyone at FPW takes pride in running a well-rounded and inclusive program for their participants. And with the support of the community, they have been blessed to press on and continue preparing kids for the many life challenges they will soon face. They can’t wait to see everyone in August.

Submitted by Fallbrook Pop Warner.