If the pros can do it… the kids can too.
Pop Warner has long recognized a National Football League (NFL) Team of the Year for its contributions to its respective community. And, as we’ve seen this weekend with the NFL’s My Cleats My Cause initiative, pro players are also intent on serving others.
A few years ago, we decided to honor Pop Warner teams for their work in their communities. It is refreshing to see how active our organizations are in integrating community service into youth development.
Their work includes service projects, fundraising for health causes, disaster relief efforts, community beautification, and inclusive support for teammates facing challenges.
Among my favorite stories over the years are:
- One team recognized a need to fill the pantry at their local school. However, instead of simply donating food, they encouraged other teams in the area to identify similar needs. In the end, three schools had their pantries filled.
- A team was inspired by the charity work of a rival team and thought, ‘We can do that too.” The result was rallying around a teammate’s younger sibling battling cancer, heightening awareness of the need for cancer research, and raising thousands to support the local children’s hospital.
- Organizations establishing community engagement programs – SBS Gives Back, Hawks Cares, among others – to foster a variety of community and charitable activities throughout the year.
While only one recipient will receive the 2025 Community Star Award, we highlight all the programs that received nominations.
Award Recipient: Pop Warner honored Oceanside Pop Warner with its 2025 Pop Warner Community Star Award for its outstanding impact both on and off the field. The organization combined youth sports with community service through clothing drives, bake sales, school supply collections, and fundraising efforts that helped sponsor more than 20 economically challenged families, so every child could participate. Check out their award presentation video: