- November 4, 2024
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Playing time:
Every player on the team will get a chance to play. Both leagues abide by the Mandatory Play Rule, which dictates: 16-25 Players (10 Plays), 26-30 Players (8 Plays) and 31-35 Players (6 Plays). For more information on this rule, visit popwarner.com/football/mandatoryplay.htm.s are bigger, faster, stronger and much better. Once a Pop Warner weight-controlled football program, now the Falcons will be an unlimited-weight team, with national championship aspirations. How? They have joined forces with the other in-city program, the Flagler Wolfpack.
Last month, both programs looked over the low amount of player participation for the upcoming season, and they thought it reasonable to merge into one team in order to save both programs.
“The numbers were able to still run a program, but there would’ve been very little competition on our part,” said Charlie Washington, the director of the merged program. “So, we figured we could combine them, and that way, kids will have a better opportunity to be a competitive team, rather than just getting out there on the field.”
With the merger, Washington believes, the level of competition between players on the team will only make for a better program. Because the old Falcons played in PAL, which is limited weight, and the Wolfpack played in unlimited, it might appear to some that all Wolfpack players will be starters, which Washington says isn’t the case.
“Competition breeds champions,” he said. “Also, some of the Pop Warner kids, who may be smaller, have better abilities than the unlimited-weight players. Some people think the unlimited weight is dangerous, but in middle school, high school and spring ball, there is no weight limit, so the notion that this level is unhealthy to play without a limit is bogus.”
Washington has been a youth football coach since 2003. Along with his ownership of the semipro Flagler Knights organization, the boards chose him as the new program director, knowing all of his previous and current managing skills.
“This is a great opportunity for me,” Washington said. “It’s something I’ve always wanted to do because, since I went to college for sports, I always wanted to be a bigger part of teaching these kids. ... My goal is to see all these kids go to high school and be successful.”
The Flagler Falcons have already begun summer practices for all five football teams, 6U, 8U, 10U, 12U and 14U. Each roster will be 36 players, with a waiting list. As the Falcons kick off a new year, Washington is optimistic about two city teams playing for one program.
“The merge is not only going to improve the teams, but it’s going to improve families,” he said. “Some kids played in Pop Warner, and others played in unlimited weight all of their lives. Now, they’re getting the opportunity to play together and experience something different, so I think it’s great. Coaching staffs with different styles have also come together. This only makes for a great staff and a great football program.”
PLAYING TIME:
Every player on the team will get a chance to play. Both leagues abide by the Mandatory Play Rule, which dictates: 16-25 Players (10 Plays), 26-30 Players (8 Plays) and 31-35 Players (6 Plays). For more information on this rule, visit popwarner.com/football/mandatoryplay.htm.
