How do I register and what do we need to complete the paperwork part of registration?
Registrations can be done at on-site registration events (January - March) held at Central Winds Park in front of the WSHS softball field. You can also register through the mail by downloading the forms from the website on the Grizzlies Forms link.
The mailing address is:
PO Box 196145 Winter Springs, FL 32719
The forms that are included in registration along with payment are 2×2 profile picture, Proof of Winter Springs residency (ie. utility bill), Copy of Birth Certificate (new participants only), Registration Form, Parent and Participant Codes of Conduct (all forms can be downloaded from this website). Report Cards will be collected at Physical Night and Parent Night or you can mail them as well.
How much does it cost to register?
The football registration fee is $225.00 and the cheerleading fee is $245. This fee is due at registration. We work hard to keep the registration fees low by fund-raising and finding ways to keep our costs low.
Checks can be made payable to: Winter Springs Grizzlies
What does the registration cover?
For cheerleaders, the registration monies will pay for the use of the cheerleading uniform and the cost of cheer accessories. A Pride Pack of a tee shirt and shorts is also included.
Football players will get the use of home and away uniforms, shoulder pads and helmets with mouthpieces. A Pride Pack of tee shirt and shorts are given to the players for weigh-in before each game.
Parents are asked to purchase practice pants, pad sets, and spare mouthpieces, as they are not provided by the association. These items will be available for purchase on Physical Night.
What are the age groups?
Please refer to the chart for specific details on the Age-Weight Matrix link located on the front page of this website.
What is Physical Night?
All Pop Warner Participants are required to have a sports physical done and documented on the PWLS form. Each year, Winter Springs Grizzlies arrange to have local physicians conduct sports physicals at Winter Springs High School in July. This is also a chance to meet your coaches, get sized for Pride Packs and purchase merchandise for the upcoming season.
When do I get my football equipment?
Once all paperwork has been submitted (PWLS registration form, copy of birth certificate, 2×2 picture, parent and participant code of conduct, 3 copies of report card, PWLS physical form, photo release form, and recent copy of utility bill) and registration paid in full, you and your child can participate in Equipment Day. Families will be notified via an email post card when and where it will take place in late July. Early pick up is not feasible but there will be times during the first week of practice before practice begins to pick up uniforms.
When do cheerleaders get their uniforms?
There will be a specific day when uniform and shoe fittings take place. Be sure to have a frequently checked email address noted on your registration so coaches can notify you. The dates will also be posted on the website. There is no early pick up. If you have a conflict, your head coach will have an alternate date and location for equipment pick up during the first week of practice.
Where do we practice?
All football practices take place at Central Winds Park on two different field locations. The 3 older football groups practice on the field with goal posts. Cheer practices may start out the first few weeks at Central Winds park near the fence line closest to the parking lot separating football from baseball and then move to Winter Springs High school cafeteria. There will be a schedule given by the Cheer coaches including locations of area of practice.
When is the first practice?
Nationally, Pop Warner begins practice on August 1st. Each association makes their decision based on the day that August 1 falls. Parents will be told way in advance once the association decides.
How often are practices?
You can expect four practices per week prior to the first game from 6pm to 8:30pm with Friday as weather make up day. Thereafter, there will be three practices per week (Mon, Tues and Thurs with Wed as weather make up day) from 6pm to 8pm and a game on Saturday.
How long is the season?
The regular practice season runs from August 1 through the end of October. Football players can count on the season with playoffs and bowl games to go through early November. Competitive cheer teams (Jr Pee Wee through Midgets) can expect a Mid Florida competition at the end of October and if they place either 1st or 2nd, will continue to regional competition during the week of Thanksgiving, and if placing 1st or 2nd, will compete at Disney’s Wide World of Sports during the week of December 8th through the 12th. Cheer teams may participate in bowl games in November.
Where are the games played?
Home games are played at Winter Springs High School. Away games are played at different Pop Warner sites, usually a high school in the Central Florida area.
Are there certifications required to volunteer for a position with the league?
Yes. Our governing body, Mid- Florida Pop Warner, certifies all coaches, administrative personnel, team moms and Jr coaches. Football coaches complete an online training available through Pop Warner.
Do volunteers have their background checked?
Any adult who volunteers to be around the participants of this association must complete a PWLS volunteer form which is used to check against local, county and state records for any criminal activity. A copy of the driver’s license is required because the Grizzlies also conduct a national search through a national registry for any criminal activity.
What are the qualifications of league officials responsible for my child’s football / cheer experience?
Our philosophy is to conduct a rigorous process to select the best possible volunteer candidates. Our coaches have some football / cheer experience and / or coaching experience. All head coaches usually have multiple years experience coaching youth athletics, have been dedicated to our program in the past and have a good grasp of the fundamentals. Additionally, all coaching volunteers are required to complete certification courses conducted by Mid Florida Pop Warner and are background checked.
What are the scholastic characteristics needed of my athlete?
All football players and cheerleaders are expected to sustain a 2.0 grade point average or higher to continue to participate throughout the course of the season. If your child does not meet these standards the scholastic director will work with you and your child’s coach regarding a bi-weekly progress report.
