Chargers help bring Challenger Flag Football to San Diego

Tuesday, Apr 17, 2007 , Chargers.com

The Chargers have partnered with the Palomar Conference Pop Warner Little Scholars, Inc. (PWLS) to bring Challenger Flag Football to San Diego.

Funding has been provided by the San Diego Chargers Community Foundation, making it possible to offer Challenger Flag Football to the Palomar Conference with no registration fee in the Inaugural Season.   This funding will assist the Conference to firmly establish the Challenger program in San Diego communities.  The Palomar Conference includes Vista, Carlsbad, Poway, Escondido, Fallbrook, Murrieta, Oceanside, Ramon, Rancho Bernardo, Rancho Penasquitas, San Marcos, Temecula, Torrey Pines, La Costa Canyon, Menifee, Wildomar and Valley Center.

“NFL football is America’s most popular sport and ALL kids should have the opportunity to experience and play the game,” said Chargers President Dean Spanos.  “The Chargers are San Diego’s football team and we’re happy to be able to provide this experience for so many deserving kids.”

“The San Diego Chargers have been strong supporters of Pop Warner Football in San Diego, providing financial assistance to the Conference and Chargers Game Day experiences for the kids.” said Palomar’s Commissioner Debbie Winters. “We are now looking forward to working with the Chargers organization to bring the football experience to kids with disabilities.”

Pop Warner Little Scholars is the oldest and largest youth football and cheerleading organization in the United States.  Approximately 65% of current NFL players began their playing careers in Pop Warner Football.  The Challenger Division was established in 2004 as a separate division of Pop Warner Little Scholars, Inc. to enable boys and girls with physical and mental disabilities to enjoy the game of football along with the thousands of other children who participate in Pop Warner worldwide. 

Challenger Flag Football is designed for boys and girls between the ages of 5-15 years, and a range of disabilities.  The Challenger program is non-competitive, everyone gets to play, and no score is kept.  The games are molded after a typical Pop Warner game with warm-ups, coin toss, national anthem, etc.  Challenger Flag Football participants experience pulling together as a team, being cheered on by a crowd and encouraged by their peers.

All players are named MVP and all receive trophies at the end of the season.  Participants play with a “buddy” who assists them with the ball and navigating the field.  Buddies not only support the players on the field but they also contribute in broader ways.  Social interaction among players and buddies often gives players a completely new outlet for communication and exchange. 

“Palomar Pop Warner has embraced this concept and is excited about providing this opportunity for children who might not otherwise be able to personally experience the thrill of playing football.” said Winters.

Palomar Pop Warner Football Conference, Inc. is a non-profit organization that offers youth football and cheerleading.  Founded in 1970, with 6 member associations, they now boast 17 associations in San Diego and the north Riverside area.  With 37 years of service, Palomar Pop Warner is the longest established youth football and cheer program in San Diego; consisting of approximately 7,000 young participants and 3,000 adult volunteers. 

Practice will begin on Monday, July 30th.  Registration for the Challenger Division takes place at the same time as registration for other divisions in all 17 of Palomar Conference’s associations.  For locations, dates and times please call Palomar Pop Warner 760-443-3935.  To learn how you can help as a Coach, Buddy or with a donation please visit the Palomomar Web Site:  
//www.palomarpopwarner.org/popwarner/Challenger/Challengerindex.html