Football Program
Teach the game the right way — safe, structured, and fun for every player.
SAFETY & EQUIPMENT
Click here to learn how we protect our athletes with certified equipment, trained coaches, and strict safety standards.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Click here to stay up to date on registration dates, practices, games, and league events.
FREQUENTLY ASK QUESTIONS
Click here for answers to common questions about schedules, costs, playing time, and more.
About Our Program
Dracut Pop Warner Football is a growing tackle program competing in Pop Warner New England. We focus on fundamentals, discipline, teamwork, and character development — building strong athletes and even stronger young people.
One Team. One Family. One Middies.
SAFETY COMES FIRST. ALWAYS.
STRUCTURED PROGRESSIONS. CERTIFIED EQUIPMENT. TRAINED COACHES.Certified Equipment. Proper Protection.
Every athlete is issued league-approved gear that is professionally fitted, maintained, and inspected throughout the season.
Certified Helmets
Each player receives a certified helmet that meets national safety standards. Helmets are professionally recertified every two years and inspected regularly during the season.
Shoulder Pads Provided
League-issued shoulder pads are properly sized and fitted to each athlete to ensure protection without limiting mobility or performance.
Individually Fitted Gear
We take time to properly fit every athlete. Helmet positioning, chin straps, and pad alignment are checked to ensure comfort, stability, and protection.
Ongoing Equipment Checks
Equipment is monitored throughout the season. Coaches perform routine checks to ensure helmets and pads remain secure and properly adjusted.
Certified Coaches. Structured Training.
Every coach is trained, certified, and committed to teaching the game safely — with strong fundamentals and a player-first mindset.
USA Football Certified
All coaches complete USA Football certification, ensuring they understand age-appropriate instruction, player safety standards, and responsible coaching practices.
Heads-Up Tackling
Our coaches are trained in Heads-Up Tackling techniques, emphasizing proper body positioning, leverage, and safe contact fundamentals to reduce risk and build confidence.
Concussion Recognition & Response
Coaches are trained to recognize concussion symptoms & immediately remove athletes from play if there is any concern. We follow USA Football & established return-to-play guidelines with safety first.
CPR, First Aid & AED Trained
All coaching staff complete CPR, First Aid, and AED training, ensuring they are prepared to respond quickly and appropriately in the event of an emergency.
What Parents Provide
A quick guide to the gear and essentials every Middies athlete should have.Parents are responsible for purchasing a personalized game jersey, practice pants, and game pants (all available through the league). Athletes should also come prepared with a mouth guard that securely attaches to their helmet, a water bottle that can be used without removing the helmet, football cleats, and an equipment bag to carry their helmet and shoulder pads.
Age Divisions
Our age-based tackle football divisions for the season| Division | Ages | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
7UMITEY-MITE |
5-7Age |
A child must be age 7 or younger and may not turn 8 before July 15, 2026. |
9UPEE WEE |
8-9Age |
A child must be age 9 or younger and may not turn 10 before July 15, 2026. |
11UJR. VARSITY |
10-11Age |
A child must be age 11 or younger and may not turn 12 before July 15, 2026. |
13UVARSITY |
12-13Age |
A child must be age 13 or younger and may not turn 14 before July 15, 2026. |
Game Plan: Upcoming Events
Stay up to date on football events, sign-ups, and important dates.
2026 Season Football & Cheer Registration
2026 Season Football & Cheer Registration
2026 Season Football & Cheer Registration
Celtics Ticket Raffle
Meat Raffle Fundraiser
The Parent FAQ Playbook
Everything parents want to know before kickoff.PRACTICES & SCHEDULE
The official 2026 season begins July 15th. Coaches may begin practice between July 15th and August 1st, with all teams starting no later than August 1st.
Practices are typically held at Veterans Memorial Park
80 Broadway Rd, Dracut, MA 01826.
Before school begins, teams practice Monday through Thursday for approximately 2 to 2.5 hours per session. In-season practice schedules are determined by the coaching staff.
Practices typically include dynamic stretching, conditioning, individual skill work (offensive line, defensive line, skill positions), group instruction, and game-situation walk-throughs.
Athletes complete 10 hours of conditioning and 10 hours of padded conditioning before tackling is introduced, following Pop Warner safety progression guidelines.
PLAYING TIME
Yes. Pop Warner has minimum playing time rules to ensure participation.
At the same time, we believe playing time is earned through effort, preparation, and commitment. Consistent attendance, learning the playbook, and working hard in practice all influence expanded opportunities on the field.
VOLUNTEERS
Yes. Our league is powered by volunteers, including coaches, team parents, and event helpers.
If you are interested in coaching, becoming a team parent, or helping with events and field setup, please visit our Volunteer section and reach out.
FUNDRAISING
As a non-profit organization, fundraising supports equipment, practice fields, game field rentals, and overall program operations. Family participation in fundraising helps keep registration costs as low as possible.
GAMES & COMPETITION
Teams typically play 7–8 regular season games, not including playoffs.
Games are usually played on Sundays.
Some games are hosted at Dracut High School. Other games require travel within the Pop Warner New England league.
Yes. Teams may qualify for playoffs based on regular season performance.
REGISTRATION & COMMUNICATION
Registration typically opens in March. Please monitor our website and social media for updates.
League-wide updates are shared through our website and social media platforms. During the season, coaches communicate directly with families using a team app.
COST & FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Registration includes participation for the full season, along with a loaned helmet and shoulder pads.
We do not have formal payment plans or scholarship programs. However, if your family is experiencing hardship, please contact us. Requests are reviewed on a case-by-case basis to ensure athletes have the opportunity to participate.