How do you take one of the nation’s most iconic youth sporting events and give it a new shine? Pop Warner has done just that, working alongside its partner, FCS, to elevate the 68th Pop Warner Super Bowl and 38th Cheer & Dance Nationals.
For decades, the Pop Warner Super Bowl and Cheer & Dance Nationals have brought thousands of young athletes together to compete for national titles while celebrating teamwork, dedication, and achievement. In 2025, Pop Warner built on that proud tradition, and the response has been overwhelmingly positive.
This year marked the beginning of a dynamic new era as the championships moved to Charlotte, North Carolina. After many memorable years in Orlando, the transition to Charlotte introduced fresh energy, world-class facilities, and a vibrant sports culture that reflects the continued growth and future vision of Pop Warner. The Mecklenburg County Sportsplex and the Charlotte Convention Center provided modern, championship-caliber venues worthy of the event’s stature.
“Bringing the Pop Warner National Championships to Charlotte represents an important and positive step forward for our organization and, most importantly, for our student-athletes and their families,” said Pop Warner President and CEO Steve Strawbridge. “Charlotte’s strong sports culture, outstanding venues, and welcoming community have created an exceptional championship environment, making it an ideal place to honor both the tradition of Pop Warner and the future of youth sports.”
The evolution of championship week did not stop with a new host city. For the first time in event history, Pop Warner expanded its national stage with two new competitions open to youth teams nationwide: the Crown Classic Flag Football Tournament, presented in partnership with NFL FLAG, and the Queen City Crown Open Cheer & Dance competition. These additions broadened participation, increased excitement, and further enhanced the championship-week experience.
“The competition venues were a hit," said Pop Warner COO Tim Glase. "What I enjoy most about Pop Warner is the people - the leaders and administrators I've come to know personally and the dedicated coaches, volunteers, and parents who pour their energy into these kids. Every venue brought our community together in ways I haven't seen in recent years. Standing in the middle of the football complex, you could clearly see all four games. And the cheer & dance venue fostered a warm, intimate atmosphere. I'm looking forward to seeing everyone again next year.”
“Our cheer, dance, football and our new event flag football shined in the Queen City," said Beth Dietz, Pop Warner's national events director. "People loved the new city and new venues."
Together, the move to Charlotte and the introduction of new national competitions underscore Pop Warner’s commitment to evolving while honoring the legacy that has made it a pillar of youth sports for generations. The result is a reimagined championship experience, one that celebrates history, embraces innovation, and creates lasting memories for today’s athletes and those still to come.
“Whether their team left as a National Champion, a finalist, or simply proud of the growth and memories made, I hope each student athlete walked away with experiences they will cherish for the rest of their lives," said Clarence Curry, Pop Warner football commissioner. "These moments – competing at the highest level, celebrating together, and representing their communities – are what make Nationals and Pop Warner truly special.”