Pop Warner Spirit teams have participated for several decades on the football sidelines, however, cheerleading was not officially introduced until the 1970’s. Today, thousands participate in Pop Warner Cheerleading and Dance teams around the United States.

The Cheer and Dance Program offers teams a wide range of opportunity for young athletes at all skill levels. Pop Warner has established one set of spirit rules along with JAMZ, the Pop Warner Education Development Partner and the original developer of Youth Cheer and Dance Alliance (YCADA). Together with YCADA, Pop Warner is able to provide online educational courses for its coaches, administrators and judges on team skill levels.

With continued education, the Pop Warner Coaching Staff provides basic instruction, training and conditioning for both football games and competition. Teams participate on the sidelines at football games for home and most away games. In addition to Game Day, teams participate in qualifying spirit events (League & Region) through to a Pop Warner National Championship. The Pop Warner National Cheer and Dance Championships are held in December at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.