Cheer
Participation in the Pop Warner Program provides kids an opportunity to perform in an organized, supervised, safety-oriented environment. Pop Warner programs emphasize fun for all and encourage the development of qualities important long after Pop Warner days are gone.
PPW Cheer is open to all children ages 5-14 (as of July 31). Squads will be determined based on number and age of participants. No experience necessary.
Frequently asked Questions
What is the difference between Tackle Cheer and Flag Cheer?
Tackle Cheer are participants between the ages of 7-14 and consists of 4 possible teams. Mitey-mite, Jr. Pee Wee, Pee Wee and Junior Varsity. The team you’re placed on is determined by age and the Cheer Coordinator. Tackle Cheer will cheer at games for Tackle football teams. Flag cheer are ages 5-6 and will cheer for Flag football.
How to do I sign up my Cheerleader for Poway Pop Warner?
Registration begins online in March. You will be required to attend the in-person registration to turn in the required paperwork, have your Cheerleader’s picture taken and learn more information about the season. The locations of in-person registration will vary, but will be located in the City of Poway.
What do I need to bring to in-person registration?
-The Cheerleader and a parent/legal guardian must be present
-Printed registration paperwork
-A copy of the Cheerleader’s certified Birth Certificate
-Registration fee (can be paid online, or cash, check or credit card in person)
Does my child need to have Cheer experience?
ABSOLUTELY NOT! Poway Pop Warner is an excellent way to introduce your child to cheer and will provide all training, skills and drills for game day and for competitions.
What do I need to purchase?
Poway Pop Warner is one of the few organizations that includes the uniform in the registration. The uniform includes: liner, skirt/brief, shell, practice wear, game day bow and poms. Shoes and black shorts are not included, white cheer shoes will be required. Backpacks and Jackets/sweatshirts are optional.
What team will my Cheerleader be placed on?
PPW will determine each athlete’s team/division eligibility based on their age, following the range guidelines set in the National Pop Warner Rule Book (chart below). Athletes will be assigned to teams according to their age. The only exception will be if there are not enough players to create a team for a specific age group, in which case athletes may opt to move to the nearest age level.
Team formations are decided by the cheerleader’s age as on July 31. Teams will be formed at the close of the final registration in May and you will be contacted by the Head Coach from the team your cheerleader is placed.
| Age/Weight Division | Age Range |
| FLAG CHEER | 5-6-7 |
| MITEY-MITE | 7-8-9 |
| JR. PEE WEE | 8-9-10-11 |
| PEE WEE | 9-10-11-12 |
| JR. VARSITY | 10-11-12-13 |
When are practices:
Practices will begin July 16th for a 2 week mandatory conditioning period. During conditioning the cheerleaders will learn muscle building, building endurance, basic cheer positions and proper techniques. Conditioning practices will be held five days a week (flag will be three days a week). After the first two weeks until Labor Day, it will be the Head Coaches decision on practice days, but will be no less than three days a week for Tackle Cheer and two days a week for Flag Cheer. After Labor Day, season practices will be held three days a week (two days for flag). Head coaches will determine dates and times.
What events will my Cheerleader attend?
In addition to games held on Saturdays, Cheerleaders will attend:
JAMZ Day Camp: Aug 2 or 3, 2025 (teams are assigned one day); Location is Great Oaks HS
Mandatory Conference Certification: TBD
PPW Team Picture Day: TBD
Local Competition: Oct 12, 2025; Location TBD
*Regional Competition: Nov 16, 2025; Location is Anaheim Convention Center
*National Cheer Competition: Dec 8-11, 2025 in Charlotte, NC
*If team qualifies to move forward.
Any questions, please contact Poway Cheer Coordinator, Lisa Sewell at powaypwcheer@gmail.com
How are the registration fees, donations/fundraising, and sponsorship funds used?
PPW works hard to keep our registration fees low for families. Compared to our neighboring organizations, we have the best pricing and include full uniforms for both football and cheer. In order to keep our fees down, we ask that every player participate in fundraising and obtaining sponsorships. Check out the flyer below for details on how the funds are used to support athletes across the organization.
