Pop Warner-Youth Football-Youth Cheer

4

Mar, 2025

Get to Know Our New President & CEO

In January, President & CEO Steve Strawbridge was named just the fourth leader in Pop Warner Little Scholars in nearly 100 years. He joins us with a great resume in professional sports and a love for the Pop Warner brand. Hoping you'll get to meet Steve in person soon. In the meantime, we talk with him about everything from his go-to meal, dive into this Q&A and meet the man leading Pop Warner into the future.

1. Why did you choose Pop Warner? I’ve been fortunate to work in football throughout my career – first with my favorite team, the Philadelphia Eagles, then alongside some of the greatest players ever at the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Now, I get to help shape the future of the game by working with young athletes at the best organization in youth football, Pop Warner. This role allows me to stay connected to the sport I love, collaborate with the NFL, and make a real impact on the next generation. It also gives me the opportunity to support and elevate cheerleading and dance, and provide even more young athletes with discipline, teamwork, and a platform to shine. I’ve always sought to work with top sports brands, and with its leadership in cheerleading, flag, and tackle football, Pop Warner has unlimited potential for growth.
2. Most memorable sports moment? Being at the stadium when the Eagles beat the Patriots to win their first Super Bowl in 2018. It was an unforgettable experience—especially since I was also there in 2005 when we lost to the Patriots. That win was the sweetest revenge!
3. What coach or teacher had the biggest influence on you? I played soccer in college and my coach, Ted Barkley, had been there for 40 plus years. I’ll never forget my first day, arriving as a nervous freshman two weeks before school started. He made sure we all felt at home. He had the perfect balance of toughness and compassion, and his leadership left a lasting impact on me.
4. Favorite athlete and why? Eagles safety Brian Dawkins. Brian was a fantastic player and an even better person. Brian and I started at the Eagles the same season in 1996 and then I was a part of his Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement when he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2018. It was a full circle moment.
5. You get to listen to one album the rest of your life? Bruce Springsteen’s The River. Every song on that album is great and meaningful. I also have seen Bruce in concert many times including three shows at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia when we opened our new stadium in 2004.
6. If this is on the menu you order it every time? Pretty basic, but nothing beats a good burger and fries.
7. Favorite and least favorite subject in school? My favorite was any kind of math. I love numbers. My least favorite was biology or any kind of science.
8. Favorite NFL Hall of Famer you worked with? This is a tough one because I loved working with so many of the guys and they’re all great. I’ll give you my top five from different eras: Jim Brown, Steve Young, Jon Randle, Larry Little and of course Brian Dawkins. But honestly, I could name so many more. We were a big family, and I cherish the relationships we made to this day.
9. How would you describe your leadership style? Communicative and inclusive. I have an open-door policy and believe in everyone being involved and driven towards the same goals.
10. What’s a tradition you’re excited to continue at Pop Warner? Making a difference in the lives of our youth. There simply is nothing more rewarding than teaching and helping kids grow to their full potential. Helping them learn life lessons through cheerleading, tackle and flag football.

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4

Mar, 2025

Get to Know Our New President & CEO

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