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Pop Warner Football and Cheerleading

Pop Warner Football and Cheerleading

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Cheer Frequently Asked Questions

To learn more about Pop Warner cheer and dance click here. To see the Pop Warner promotional video click here.

When does the season start?

August 1st

Does my child need specific skills?

NO! There are no try-outs and no specific skill requirements. Just bring your willingness to learn and work hard!

Can my child cheer at school and with WGYC?
YES.

How often are practices?

EVERY participant must have 20 hours of conditioning practice prior to participating in games. To ensure this happens we offer 3 weeks of practice 4 nights a week night for the first three weeks of the season from 6:00 – 8:00 pm.  After the conditioning period is complete, teams will practice 2-3 nights a week as determined by the coach. The nights of practice are determined by each team’s head coach. Competitive team practices could include weekends.

Where do you practice?

We practice at 4204 Willow Oak Rd in Raleigh unless otherwise indicated.

What are the age categories?

Opportunities are provided to participate in 6 age groups:

·        Tiny Mite: Ages 5, 6, & 7

Competitive Cheer & Dance

·        Mitey Mite: Ages 7, 8, & 9

·        Jr. Pee Wee: Ages 8, 9, 10, & 11

·        Pee Wee: Ages 9, 10, 11, & 12

·        Jr. Varsity: Ages 10, 11, 12, & 13

·        Varsity: Ages 12, 13, 14, 15, & 16

What do participants do other than practice?

Each participant “cheers” on the sidelines at Saturday football games beginning on the last Saturday in August through mid-November. Cheer/dance teams are assigned to their corresponding football team by age and follow that team’s game schedule. Home games are at Wilders Grove Youth Center and away games include travel to any Pop Warner field in Wake, Durham, and Johnston counties.

If my child is on a competitive team, when and where are the competitions?

Local competition mostly likely will be held on a Sunday in mid to late October. Teams compete in their age division, skill level and team size against other teams within the league. If the team places 1st, 2nd or 3rd, they advance to the Regional competition held out of town (currently Virginia Beach) on the day after Thanksgiving.  If the team places 1st or 2nd, they advance to the National competition at Disney World in Florida the beginning of December. Athletes are required to participate in all qualifying competitions.  Please consider the time and financial commitment required to participate on a competitive-level team.

What is the cost if my child’s team advances to Nationals?

Congratulations, National competition is an honor!  All qualifying participants need to travel to Florida and pay for a room package including 3 night minimum stay in the designated hotel including a park hopper pass. Each person on the reservation (anyone can come as long as they book with WGYC) costs approximately $600 each for hotel and park passes which also includes admission to the Pop Warner private party at Animal Kingdom.

How do we fundraise?

All participants are encouraged to take part in the WGYC program fundraising events to allow competitive-level athletes an opportunity to raise funds to offset travel expenses if they qualify for Regional and National competitions.
 
What do I have to pay for?

All cheerleaders will need to purchase their own no show white socks, game day shorts, and white cheer shoes.  Dance team participants will need to purchase “dance” accessories which may include a pair of dance shoes and outfit.

****Spirit wear for girls and parents is on sale throughout the season.

Are the coaches paid employees of WGYC?

NO. They are volunteers who donate their time to help our kids. This entire program, in fact, is run by volunteers who put in a great deal of personal time to make this program available to your children.

What are the volunteer requirements?

ALL participants are required to have a designated person from the family sign up for volunteer shifts at practice and game fields. WGYC is a 100% volunteer organization. EVERYONE from the coaches to association commissioners to league and region staff are all volunteers.

Can we sign up now and pay later?

You may register now and pay later, but your spot is not secured on the team without a deposit. However, due to the nature of this sport, there are a large number of expenses that must be paid before the season even begins. No player will receive uniforms, etc or be allowed to practice until payment is made and all necessary forms have been provided.

When and where are games?

Games are on Saturdays, starting around the last weekend of August. Unless a team has a Bye on its schedule, we play on Labor Day Weekend. All age divisions can expect a game every Saturday from that first day of games through the end of October. Depending upon the schedule, a team may get a "bye" week at some point during the season. Games can start as early as 8:00 AM or late in the afternoon. Away games could be as close as Cary or as far away as South Johnson County, N. Durham, and Wake Forest, etc. Parents are responsible for all transportation of their children to and from practices and games.

Is there a charge to get into a game?

Yes. The CFF sets admission prices for all teams in our league. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for youth aged 6-17. Children under 5 are free. During the main season, players (and cheerleaders) get in free wearing their WG Pop Warner game jersey/uniform. Badged/rostered staff (coaches, assistant coaches, and the Team Parent) gets in free to home and away games WITH THEIR BADGE. Game day volunteers are required to pay admission. Most locations only take cash for admission.

Contact

Wilders Grove Youth Center
4204 Willow Oak Road 
Raleigh, North Carolina 27604

Email: [email protected]

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