WELCOME TO SANTA MARGARITA POP WARNER (SMPW)
Please read this entire page for important registration requirements and details.
Teams fill up early—many are full by March. First come, first served.
FIRST OFFICIAL PRACTICE: JULY 15, 2026.
HOME OF THREE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS IN 2025!
Join SMPW and be part of one of the largest and most successful Pop Warner associations in Orange County. SMPW is nationally ranked and regarded as one of the best youth football and cheer programs in the country.
- In 2025, SMPW had more teams (19 total) than anyone else in the conference.
- SMPW had the highest winning percentage in the conference.
- Five Orange Bowl wins in 2025—no other city in the conference came close.
- In 2025, 14 of our 16 playoff-eligible teams advanced to postseason.
- In cheer, all teams finished #1 in WESCON regionals; all 8 teams advanced to nationals.
This year promises to be just as exciting!
PROGRAM COSTS
FLAG -- $395 (early bird price is $295)
FOOTBALL 8U-14U -- $750 (early bird price is $650)
CHEER (Jr. TM and TM) -- $500 (early bird price is $400)
CHEER -- $725 (early bird price is $625)
Early Bird Pricing IS APPLIED AT CHECK OUT
Early Bird Pricing Ends on April 15, 2026
TWO STEPS TO REGISTER
STEP 1: Complete online form CLICK HERE
STEP 2: Attend the required In-Person Registration for sizing, paperwork, and weigh in (we will have three options, dates and locations TBD)
CRITICAL DATES
- Early bird pricing ends on April 15, 2026
- In-Person Registration (Mandatory) -- TBD. We will have three dates for you to choose from.
- First official practice (mandatory) is July 15, 2026.
- Optional skills camps start in June.
- Coaches will contact players starting in May.
AGE MATRIX
| Division Name | Division Maximum Age | Division Minimum Age |
|---|
| FLAG (5-7 yrs) | 7/15/2018 | 7/14/2020 |
| | | |
| Football 8U | 7/15/2017 | 7/14/2019 |
| Football 9U | 7/15/2016 | 7/14/2019 |
| Football 10U | 7/15/2015 | 7/14/2018 |
| Football 11U | 7/15/2014 | 7/14/2017 |
| Football 12U | 7/15/2013 | 7/14/2016 |
| Football 13U | 7/15/2012 | 7/14/2015 |
| Football 14U | 7/15/2011 | 7/14/2014 |
GEOGRAPHICAL REQUIREMENTS
Participant must live within the following cities
- Rancho Santa Margarita
- Ladera Ranch
- Rancho Mission Viejo
- San Juan Capistrano
- Trabuco Canyon
- Dove Canyon
- Coto de Caza
- Irvine
- Laguna Niguel (and surrounding areas)
If you live outside of the boundaries for SMPW, you will need a waver. Please email
[email protected] for more information.
COACH/PLAYER REQUESTS
The SMPW Board is responsible for player and coach allocation.
- We will review all requests (coach/player friends, etc.), especially from returning players.
- Requests are considered, but final team placement is decided by the Board and head coaches based on league by-laws and what is best for the program overall.
- Coaches cannot promise that a returning SMPW player will be placed on "their" team.
- Team allocations occurs in April.
- You will hear from your coach in mid-May.
- Practices start July 15, 2026.