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 held at Central Winds Park in front of the WSHS softball field, and online through this website. You can also register through the mail by downloading the forms from the website on the Registration Forms link under the Registration Info tab.

The mailing address is:
PO Box 196145 Winter Springs, FL 32719

Please refer to the Registration Checklist under the Registration Info tab for the list of all paperwork that is required prior to participation in the Winter Springs Bears 2022 season.

How much does it cost to register?

The football registration fee is $300 and cheer registration is $325, with a $100 deposit due at registration. An early registration discount is offered for each program with payment in full by May 31st.  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: Pop Warner Winter Springs Bears

What does the registration cover?

For cheerleaders, the registration monies will pay for the use of the cheerleading uniform, shoes and the cost of cheer accessories, as well as competition fees.  A Pride Pack of a skort, tank top and practice bow is also included.

Football players will get the use of home and away uniforms, shoulder pads and helmets. 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  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 Bears arrange to have local physicians conduct sports physicals at Winter Springs High School.  Our 2022 physical night is June 20th . 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, copy of insurance card, and recent copies of two different utility bills or other proof of residency documents) 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?

Uniform and shoe fittings take place in June, 2022.  Once you register, you will receive information regarding cheer fittings. 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.

Where do we practice?

All football and cheerleading practices take place at Central Winds Park on two different field locations. The 3 older football groups practice on the field with goal posts.  

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 in advance once the association makes the decision.

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.  For cheer specific practice details, please refer to Practice Information under the Cheer tab.

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 (Mitey Mites through Varsity) will cheer at all regular and post-season games, and may also expect to participate in the Mid Florida competition at the end of October.  Teams placing either 1st or 2nd in their division will continue to the Southeast Region competition held during the weekend of Thanksgiving.  Teams placing 1st or 2nd at the Regional Competition will compete at the National Cheer Competition which is  held the first full week of December.
Tiny Mites cheerleaders will cheer at any post season bowl games that the 6U team attends, the Tiny Mites Mid-Florida Exhibition and the Southeast Region Exhibition and Gala which is held Thanksgiving weekend each year. 

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 Bears also conduct a national search through a national registry for any criminal activity, as required by Pop Warner.

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.