Cape Vikings Pop Warner readies for 2023 season
Cape Vikings Pop Warner, a local nonprofit organization, is seeing months of board meetings and volunteer hours pay off, with the kickoff of the 2023 season just around the corner.
As the longest-standing youth football organization in the area, governed by the national Pop Warner Association, Cape Vikings Pop Warner offers youth programming in tackle football and sideline cheerleading beginning at age 5. The organization is made up entirely of volunteers who dedicate their time and efforts to improving the program while focusing on the development of the athletes involved not only in sports but also in academics and the community. The organization seeks to build a foundation in the athletes based on learning the fundamentals and finding passion for the game. Much of the work happens behind the scenes during the winter and spring months, with volunteer board members looking for ways to improve the program year after year.
This year, after support from the local community through fundraisers and sponsorships, Cape Vikings Pop Warner has voted to approve the purchase of Guardian Caps for each football player to be worn during practice. The Guardian Cap, developed by Guardian Sports in 2010, is a padded, soft-shell layer worn on the outside of the decades-old hard-shell football helmet that helps reduce impact. Adding measures like this to the already-existing safety protocol of using two-point tackle stance, limiting practice hours and concussion training for all volunteers/coaches is a priority investment by program leaders to protect youth athletes.
The season will begin Tuesday, Aug. 1, with about a month of practice time before any game play begins. Practices will be held at Beacon Middle School in Lewes. Games will be played in September and October, ending with playoffs in November.
Sign-ups are held in early spring to prepare for financial commitments and equipment needs. Sponsorship opportunities are still available for the 2023 season. Fundraiser events will continue throughout the year. For help with any questions, contact Cape Vikings Pop Warner Board President Tiffany Barlow at tiffany.capevikingspw@gmail.com.
