Kids compete with kids of similar age and size. Pop Warner is the ONLY youth football program (local, regional and national) that sets and enforces a strict age and weight matrix that reduces the risk and reality of injuries. What is the point of a "running weight" if a player twice his size is allowed to tackle him? The Northeast Heat participates in the following divisions:

Age/Weight Division	Age(s)	Certification Weight Range
TINY-MITE (older/lighter)	5-6-7 No older/lighter	35-75 lbs No older/lighter
MITEY-MITE (older/lighter)	7-8-9 N/A	45-90 lbs N/A
JUNIOR PEEWEE (older/lighter)	8-9-10 11*	60-105 lbs 60-85 lbs
PEEWEE (older/lighter)	9-10-11 12*	75-120 lbs 75-100 lbs

Did you know that Pop Warner football is safer than soccer? Pop Warner football has 12% fewer injuries per capita among 5-15 year olds than organized soccer in the same age range! (U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, NEISS)

All Pop Warner coaches (including Heat coaches) are required to attend USA Football Clinics or pass USA Football testing to ensure proper education. All coaches are also required to undergo yearly background checks.

Pop Warner exists to use football, cheerleading, dance and a respect for education to develop strong, smart, responsible, healthy young men and women. We give them experiences that build their appreciation for and understanding of leadership, teamwork, and discipline.

Pop Warner is the only national youth sports organization that requires scholastic aptitude to participate, Pop Warner is committed to developing America's young people on the field and off. Each year Pop Warner continues to expand its efforts in team and activity participation, as well as visibility and outreach in the community.

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