How to Set Up a Pee Wee Football League

Pee wee football is a great, good natured way to teach children the values of teamwork, discipline and physical fitness all while having fun. Given the widespread popularity of football, there is usually no shortage of interest amongst would be participants. There are a couple of leagues already in existence, most notably Pop Warner, but oftentimes it is not the most convenient option due to fees, location and other intangibles. Staring your own league is a great route in that you yourself can set the rules and tailor the regulations to fit the needs of children in your area.

Instructions

    • 1

      Gauge the interest in your area. Is there overwhelming demand suggesting your future league will have many teams or is the response more lukewarm to the point where you may have to do some of your own promoting in order to drum up interest? Talk to the parents to monitor their level of concern, if any, given the violent nature of the sport. Basically, assess what you will be dealing with in terms of ease or difficulty in starting up your league.

    • 2

      Decide the mission and overall objective of the league. Is it a competitive league or more of a recreational, just for fun league? Figuring out which direction you want to take is important in shaping the values and goals of the league (see Reference 1).

    • 3

      Address the basic logistics. Take a look at all of your financial particulars and how the equipment, practice and game fields will all be funded. Sponsorships and grants are a couple of options if you find that your own personal operating capital is low. Charging a modest league entrance fee could work as well, provided that you have widespread interest. Also, talk with the parks and recreation department about any paperwork that needs to be filed, such as permits, insurance, tax information and the like (see Reference 1).

    • 4

      Spread the word and schedule a sign-up. If you have connections in the local schools that don't offer pee wee football, utilize them by having them post sign-up sheets. If possible, you may even be able to speak during an assembly to see who may be interested. Also, handing out flyers in the neighborhood with the league details and your contact information can work.

    • 5

      Conduct a meeting with the parents of the children involved to see who is willing to volunteer their services to the league. Coaches and referees will be needed. This is also a good point to set-up a timetable for all significant league events. Fee due dates, first day of practice and game days all need to be established.