The Craven BearCats were formed by a group of concerned parents that recognized the demand for an organized, fair and transparent youth football association in our area. One of our missions is to lay the ground work to establish an association based on ethics, and to put in place a structure and business model that will allow the association to sustain its existence.
By affiliating with Pop Warner, the BearCats offer football divisions based on age and weight. More importantly, the BearCats can offer a football division specifically designed for our youngest players, the Tiny-Mites. Our conference fielded 16 Tiny-Mites teams last year. The Tiny-Mites division will field players between the ages of 5 and 7 that weigh between 35 and 75 pounds. No longer will these participants be expected to compete against other players that are up to 4 years older than them with no weight limits imposed. After all, we want to encourage them to participate in the sport, not intimidate them.
The BearCats have published our bylaws on our website. We encourage everyone to read them so they too can understand the process behind the selection of coaches, elections of board members, and in general, how to seek resolution for other matters.
We encourage you to join us to share your ideas and to see how a successful youth football organization should be run. Be a part of the Craven BearCats and enjoy some good clean fun through one of the greatest games around……football.
Goals and Philosophy of the Pop Warner Program
Pop Warner Football/Cheerleading is a national program operated for the benefit of the children who play the game and lead the cheers. Since its inception, the program philosophy has been: Academics and athletics go hand in hand. Since 1929, Pop Warner Football has sought at every level to develop well rounded young men and women who learn not only the fundamentals of football and cheerleading, but also the importance of education in an atmosphere conducive to developing sound mind, body and character while having a good time along the way!
The general objectives of Pop Warner Football are to inspire youth, regardless of race, creed or national origin to practice the ideals of sportsmanship, scholarship and physical fitness as reflected in the life of the late Glen Scobey 'Pop' Warner. For both players and cheerleaders, Pop Warner strives to make the game fun. This is most readily accomplished with coaches constantly keeping in mind the age of the participants. Pop Warner frowns on individual trophies based on athletic achievement. The program stresses learning lessons of value far beyond learning to play the game and learning cheers. Those are lessons of self-discipline, teamwork and good sportsmanship.If promoted and organized properly, a sports program can and will result in better grades for kids. Numerous studies have indicated that student athletes achieve higher grades during the season in which they compete. Organized sports encourage goal setting, dedication, discipline and a myriad of other qualities that are essential for learning.
Scholastics
Pop Warner's corporate title, Pop Warner Little Scholars Inc, reflects the philosophy of our program. The Craven BearCats Football association is committed to promoting academic excellence and will issue recognition for academic achievement based on the end of the school year grades. The Craven Bearcats Football association gives individual awards to those players with a 3.0 grade average or above. Your team parent will have application forms in which parents fill out prior to the banquet for recognition during the banquet.
The Craven BearCats are sustained by the efforts of volunteers who display an extraordinary amount of commitment and hard work, ensuring that our association is a positive influence in the lives of our children. We also strive to provide a service to our community by providing a healthy outlet for children, opportunities for the community to gather together, and endless hours of entertainment.
Sportsmanship Teamwork Strength Character Discipline Dedication
Our league is registered as a non-profit organization. We appreciate the generous support of the community, local merchants, and civic organizations.
Craven BearCats.....Remember the Name
Yes, there really is a Bearcat!
Click picture to read more about a bearcat.
Craven BearCats
