Who can play football for WG?
All children between 5-15 years are eligible to participate in Pop Warner Football. This range may vary from year to year based on the number of players registering. Pop Warner divisions are based on an age and weight minimums and maximums.

Where do you practice?
We practice at 4204 Willow Oak Rd in Raleigh unless otherwise indicated.

What time do the kids practice?
Practices are up to 2 1/2 hours long - typically 2 hours - and commonly run from 6:00pm to 8:00pm with some variance depending on the coach’s schedule

Do you have tryouts for football?
No. As part of the Pop Warner Little Scholars national organization, we offer the opportunity to play football to any registrant meeting the residency, scholastic, registration, age, weight, and conditioning requirements.

Can my child play football at school and with WG?
No. In fact, league rules prohibit even practicing for both at the same time. Dual participation in Pop Warner and school or other football organizations is prohibited. A player may start with us and rejoin after the Middle School season ends (or if they don’t make the Middle School team), but there are certain restrictions that apply. For more information contact us.

How long is the season?
The season begins August 1. Games start around the last weekend of August. The regular season concludes at the end of October. Developmental Level teams (Flag, Tiny Mite, and Mitey Mite) will typically have a "bowl game" at the end of the season in October. Our Competitive Level teams may extend their season if they finish the season .500 or better, and if they qualify for and advance through playoffs. Playoff games are held in November throughout the region. Regional winners advance to the Pop Warner National Championships ("Super Bowl") in Orlando, Florida in December.

The season starts the first week of August and could go into the third week of November.  Check the calendar as exact dates will vary from year to year.

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 $500 each for hotel and park passes which also includes admission to the Pop Warner private party at Animal Kingdom.

When are practices?
Football practice always begins on August 1, unless that day falls on a Sunday. During August, expect 10 hours of practice a week. More practice hours are permitted during the month of August to complete required conditioning prior to commencement of contact and then competitive play.  Every participant must complete a minimum of 20 hours of conditioning prior to playing. After the first games of the season (after Labor Day), no team can have more than 6 hours of practice per week following Labor Day. A week is defined as Monday - Sunday. Practice days and times are at the discretion of the coach. A typical practice schedule will include three practice days per week from about 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM.

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.

Isn’t it really hot out then?
It sure is! It is imperative that your child drink plenty of water during the football season. This includes the night before practice and during the day before practice. We cannot stress this enough. DRINK WATER!

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 equipment or be allowed to practice until payment is made and all necessary forms have been provided.

How much will my child play?
All children will play. Coaches will determine what positions each child is best suited for and as a result some will play more plays than others. Every division has a minimum number of plays that each child must play. This is frequently referenced as "the MPR rule" (MPR = Minimum Play Rule).

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.