When can I register my child for the season?
We will begin registering returning players until March 1st and their siblings. Any new interested players on will be able to register after that date. Please see additional dates on our registration page.
What documentation do I need to register my child?
To register with SYFA program you will need the following documentation:
1) Birth certificate.
2) Complete registration form with deposit
3) 2023 Pop Warner Participant Contract.
4) Copy of the child’s final 2023 – 2024 report card
5) 2023 Pop Warner Physical Fitness & Medical History form.
6) Passport sized head shot picture of your participant/ player
7) 2 Forms of Proof of Address (Utility Bill, Copy of Lease, Deed, etc)
Do I have to pay a deposit when I register? Yes, the $100.00 deposit must accompany all registration received for football players and cheerleaders. The total fees for football players for the 2024 season is $340.00. This is the same fee for cheer, however there are other expenses that parents are required to pay for cheer. ex:(Shoes,bags,etc...).
Why is registration fee so high?
There are hefty amount of expenses necessary to bring a season of Pop Warner football and cheerleading to completion. SYFA has to provide training for volunteers, officials for game days, police officer for game days, insurance, facility rental, etc are annual expenses that add up very quickly. SYFA also has to provide high quality equipment for the safety of our football players. Uniforms, equipment bags, pride packs are all expenses that are incurred. In addition to your registration fee you may have to purchase additional equipment for football player / cheerleaders.
What is the cost if I have more than 1 child?
SYFA does not offer an additional sibling discount.
Where is SYFA’s practice field?
SYFA conducts practice at 18th Street Park, located at Hwy 17-92 and 18th St, directly across from Sanford Middle School.
Where and when do the games begin?
SYFA conducts all home games at Seminole High School. All games are to be played on Saturday’s. SYFA will also need to travel to other Pop Warner locations with in the Central Florida area.
When does the Pop Warner season begin?
The Pop Warner season begins August 1st of every year. Please check the Team Central tab for a schedule of games.
How many games are there in a season?
There are 8 regular season games, a jamboree or pre-season game prior to opening week and playoff games if the teams qualify. There are also bowl games and tournaments at the end of the season that some teams participate in. All games are held on Saturdays with a few exceptions.
What is the cutoff date for determining the age of my child?
July 31st.
How do I know what division my child will play or cheer for?
Team assignments are determined by age first and weight second. Please refer to the Age and weight link under the forms page to determine which team your child should be on. For football players 11 years and older there is a designation called ‘Older/Lighter’ where he/she can play one age level down from normal if his/her weight is at least 20 pounds lower than the established weight limit. A participant’s age is determined on how old he/she is on July 31st. There are no weigh-ins or weight limits for cheerleaders.
How long and frequent are the practices?
The first week of practice is reserved for conditioning. No contact is permitted during the conditioning week and this time is used to exercise and begin evaluations on the kids. From the end of conditioning until Labor Day teams can practice in pads for 10 hours per week. After Labor Day teams are allowed to practice 6 hours per week. Cheerleading practices typically average the same hours per week as football.
How many players are there per team?
Pop Warner rules mandate that no team may have more than 35 players (except Tiny Mites which can have no greater than 28) and no less than 17 on an active roster. Cheerleading teams cannot have more than 35 per team.
Are the backgrounds of your coaches checked?
Yes. Any volunteer, whether a coach, board member must pass a criminal background check each year.