Oswego Bears Football Program

Overview

Oswego Bears Pop Warner is Oswego, Illinois' home for age-based tackle football. As part of Chicagoland Pop Warner and the Mid-America region, we build confident athletes and strong teammates through fundamentals, sportsmanship, and character—backed by Pop Warner's academic standards and certified, safety-trained coaches.

Pop Warner is the only national program that enforces academic standards to participate in cheer and football. It is also one of the only programs that does not have weight limits for ball carriers. Anyone can be in the backfield with Pop Warner.

Mission & Goals

Our football program exists to teach the game the right way: sound technique, discipline, and teamwork. We emphasize effort, growth, and sportsmanship over "win at all costs" attitudes. Every athlete is placed on a team—there are no tryouts or cuts—and we offer multiple competitive levels so players develop at a pace that fits their experience and goals.

Pop Warner Affiliation

Pop Warner is the oldest and most established youth football program in the United States. As a Pop Warner association, we follow national rules, minimum play requirements, and a code of conduct for players, coaches, and parents. Playoffs include the opportunity to compete at the local, state, regional, and national level (national championships are held in Florida). Pop Warner is the only youth football organization that limits contact during practice and requires scholastic standards to participate.

Age Divisions

Football teams are formed by age. Your child's age on July 14 determines his or her division for the season. We offer divisions from 6U through 13U. Based on skill and roster sizes, players may be moved to different teams after registration. We do this in an effort to provide them with the best opportunity to develop. No additional fees will be charged if your player is moved up.

Developmental (ages 5–7): Focus is on understanding the game, safe play, and fun. Bowl games at end of season; generally no playoffs.

Blue Teams: Newer or less experienced teams. Competitive but instructional. "Bowl Games" setup at end of season.

White Teams: More experienced teams. Competitive, but still a heavy focus on learning the game. Playoffs and state championship available.

Red Teams: Competitive; can advance to regional and national championships (Orlando, FL, first week of December). For teams with at least two seasons together and more experience.

Team level (Red, White or Blue) is set during the first two weeks of practice. Team level is determined by Chicagoland Pop Warner, not the Oswego Bears. No weight limit for ball carriers—everyone can have an opportunity to play all positions. Ask us how we do it safely.

Rules & Gameplay

We follow the Pop Warner National Rule Book and Mid-America region rules. Official playing rules summaries and simplified rule cards are published by Mid-America Pop Warner each season. Kickoffs are eliminated at younger age levels to reduce head-injury risk. Full-contact practice time is limited to a maximum of 1/3 of weekly practice time or 40 minutes per practice. Pop Warner focuses on team accomplishment rather than individual statistics.

Equipment Needs

Provided by the Bears: Helmet stickers; helmets available for season rental ($75, first-come first-served).

Families provide: Game uniform (jersey and pants); helmet (or rent); shoulder pads; mouthguard; cleats; practice jersey; practice pants with pads; football socks. Optional: athletic cup. Proper fit is critical—coaches and Player Safety Coaches can help with sizing.

Safety Protocols

Coaches are USA Football and Heads Up certified with Mid-America Pop Warner training. Concussion protocol: any suspected head injury results in removal from practice/game; certified medical responders at home games; medical clearance required before return. Hydration and heat: extra water breaks, shortened or modified practice in extreme heat. Pop Warner football has 12% fewer injuries per capita (ages 5–15) than organized soccer (U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, NEISS).

Season Structure

Practice: Prairie Point Park. Starts Tuesday, July 15. Pre-school: Mon–Fri 5:30–7:30 PM. After school: Tue/Wed/Thu 5:30–7:30 PM. First five days helmets-only; then full pads as allowed.

Games: Home games at Aurora University (Spartan Athletic Park); parking available for a daily fee. Season parking passes for home games are also available for purchase. Away game parking and gate fees will be announced the week of the game. Schedule is usually out by first half of August. Playoffs for qualifying teams (state, regional, national).

Parent Expectations: Please ensure an on-time arrival with equipment and water. Communicate any planned absences to your coach. Attendance policies will be enforced by coaches throughout the season if attendance becomes an issue - this could result In limited playing time or even full game suspensions for your athletes! The Oswego Bears also enforce a ZERO TOLERANCE policy for any aggressive behavior towards other fans, players, coaches, referees, members of the board, and members of Pop Warner. Anyone in violation of this policy will have their family suspended (athlete included) for an entire season from the Oswego Bears. Finally, no smoking, alcohol or drugs are permitted at PRACTICES or GAMES, per national pop Warner rules.