Colorado Youth Club Earns Gold Level Status in USA Football Program

By Samuel Teets | Posted 3/20/2023

The Colorado Springs Vikings located in Colorado Springs, Colo. have earned Gold Level status through USA Football’s League Excellence Program for the 2022 season.  

USA Football’s League Excellence Program is a way for youth football organizations to earn recognition for a commitment to raise operational standards and provide a great environment for athletes and their families. 

“We believe football can be an amazing foundation for successful members of society,” said Vikings President Wesley Wright, who began working with the program in 2016. “We know these younger years can go fast, and kids will forever remember the experiences they have with their peers. By being able to provide a fun and safe atmosphere where athletes can truly learn the sport, we influence the confidence and motivation that will carry them into being successful members of their community.” 

Wright has elevated the standing of his organization since he took over as president in 2019. The Colorado Springs Vikings earned Bronze Level status in the League Excellence Program in 2021.  

“USA Football’s League Excellence Program pushes us to be better coaches, teams and organizations and recognizes those who uphold a standard,” Wright said. “Challenging coaches to continue that standard improves how we coach and train our athletes.” 

The Vikings previously received a grant from USA Football that provided hydration kits, which Wright believes have been valuable additions to the program, especially during the summer.  

“Increasing our toolbox and making sure we are better equipped has made us a better organization,” he said.  

The Colorado Springs Vikings are a member of the Pikes Peak Pop Warner (PPPW) league. The program offers a variety of divisions for athletes at different ages and stages of development, including tiny-mite, mitey-mite, junior pee wee, pee wee, and more options for players age 13 and under. There are also cheer divisions for athletes age 16 or under.  

“The Pikes Peak Pop Warner (PPPW) league has consistently been a model league within Pop Warner by providing multiple championship-caliber organizations that are able to advance to the highest levels within Pop Warner while being in smaller markets,” said Wright. “PPPW also provides challenger programs and additional assistance to athletes and families when needed to ensure our organizations can truly provide options for all walks of life.”  

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