Player Information

Tackle football is one of the most rewarding youth sports on the planet, but it requires dedication from both the players and the parents. Practices will begin end July, the hottest time of the year.   Expect to practice 4-5 times a week for 2.5 hours per day (max.) for 10 hours of required minimum conditioning for the first week before you can even put on pads (Pop Warner rule). Once conditioned, practice in full pads begins with 2.5 hours per day (max.), 4-5 days per week (max. 10 hours per week- Pop Warner rule) for an entire month before the first game.  Football is the ultimate team sport with a lot of "moving parts" to learn in a short amount of time, so attendance at ALL practices in August is mandatory.  Do not plan any vacation time during this time.  Once school starts, Attendance is mandatory at ALL other practices in order to participate fully. Each child plays an important role on the team and will quickly fall behind if practices are missed.

Financial commitment

Tackle football registration includes the cost of most items to run Westlake Pop Warner including referees, practice field usage, stadium usage and personnel, uniforms, insurance and team equipment.

Registration does NOT include the helmet or shoulder pads. Players may purchase team equipment directly through our supplier (typically $200 - 300 depending on individual need.) Westlake Pop Warner has a mandatory equipment day in May (see Calendar/Dates) where players will be sized and fitted for all practice and game equipment.

There will be NO REFUNDS given after registration closes.

The Parent's Role

Competitive football and cheerleading provide many benefits to young athletes such as self-discipline, good sportsmanship, time management skills and physical fitness. Competition allows the players and cheerleaders to experience both success and defeat in a positive environment. Parents, while not participants on their child's team, contribute to the success of both the child and the team. If you would like to coach, please sign up when you register- we are always looking for good coaches. Each home game also requires volunteers from your team to track the number of plays each player has played, run the down marker/ chains, announce, spot, and run the score clock. If you are a leader, please consider becoming a team mom or spirit mom. Our league runs on volunteers , so we encourage you to look for a way to volunteer and/or offer to help your coaches and team mom! You can sign up during the registration process.

Divisions and Weight Ranges

AGE - AGE IS BASED ON HOW OLD YOUR CHILD WILL BE AS OF 7/31/2025. In 2025 we are proceeding with four age brackets including Rookie Tackle, 9U, 10U, and 12U divisions. See below details.

WEIGHT - Players will be weighed in at registration in the fall (mid Aug). There will no longer be weekly weigh-ins during regular season. PLAYERS WEIGHING MORE THAN THE BELOW MAXIMUM WEIGHTS WILL ONLY BE ALLOWED TO PLAY AT THE LINE OF SCRIMMAGE IE ON THE LINE/ TACKLE TO TACKLE. In the past players exceeding the weight limits were forced to move up to the next division.  This is no longer the case.