Pop Warner set to return for fall season in 2021
By Bella Ross
Following a year of absence, Scripps Ranch Pop Warner and Cheer Association is prepped and ready for a full return in time for its regular fall season.
While the state’s reopening approach, likely to be announced by June 15, could come with its own requirements for COVID-19 protocols when it comes to youth sports, Scripps Ranch Pop Warner President Krista Clauseen said she is hopeful the program will be able to resume as usual.
“The relationship with thecommunity is two-way,” Clauseen said. “Our community supports our organization and our players and cheerleaders. In return, we support the community by working toward the safety and welfare of the kids.”
During the program’s first ever spring and summer clinics – featuring opportunities for conditioning, agility training and stretching – Clauseen said many of the program’s new safety precautions are already in action. Those include mask requirements for all coaches, staff and observers; limited contact; frequent cleaning; and limiting players to small groups of 10.
The new clinics have generated a lot of interest, Clauseen said, making her hopeful that the fall season will be the same.
“I think people are just so excited to have something to do after a year of not having a lot of activities,” Clauseen said.
The offerings for the fall season will be the same as previous years, with cheer for ages 5 to 13, flag football for ages 5 to 7 and tackle football for ages 7 to 14. Both programs are co-ed and come with the opportunity to play in local, regional and sometimes national competitions.
“It’s a great organization,” Clauseen said. “All of the kids from Scripps Ranch normally play on the same team, so you’re playing with your classmates. We play our home games at the high school, and the kids really enjoy that they get that connection to the high school and their football and cheer programs.”
The fall season begins Aug. 1 and will proceed through mid-November, depending on how the teams advance in competitions. Registration for the fall generally ends in mid-July, though Clauseen said players will often join through early August.
Program costs span from $325 to $395, and will increase as the mid-July deadline inches closer. Full refunds will be provided in the event that pandemic restrictions keep the season from proceeding as planned.
To learn more about Scripps Ranch Pop Warner and Cheer, visit www.scrippsranchpopwarner.com.