The Fox Valley Pop Warner Football program located in Appleton, Wis. has earned Gold Level status through USA Football’s League Excellence Program for the 2023 season.    

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

The Fox Valley Pop Warner Football program has benefited greatly from the League Excellence Program and USA Football’s resources, especially with coaching certification.  

“We can assure parents that our coaching staffs have been properly trained with the latest skills and drills to ensure a safer program for our players,” said President Kurt Dietzen. “Coaching certification provides consistency in how players are taught the fundamentals of football throughout our league and across the country.”  

Additionally, Fox Valley previously received a grant from USA Football that helped with the purchase of flag football jerseys. The program launched its flag football offerings, which cover second through fifth grade, in 2020. 

The Pop Warner Football program earned Silver Level status in 2022 and was rewarded in 2023 for continuing to pursue excellence and the highest standards in youth football. The Fox Valley program strives to create a safe environment for people of all ages and abilities. 

“Fox Valley Pop Warner Football offers a very comprehensive and inclusive youth program including FLAG, Rookie-Tackle, Senior-Tackle, and Challenger Flag Football (adaptive flag football for children with special needs),” said Dietzen. “Fox Valley Pop Warner Football’s league started in 1973 (this is its 51st season) and continues to grow and expand its league through the addition of multiple game-types, which provide football opportunities for all youth athletes. We can now offer football opportunities for all children with all skills and abilities through our multiple game-type offerings and multiple entry pathways.”  

Dietzen has been the president of Fox Valley Pop Warner Football for seven years and has been involved with the league for 44 years. He has seen the program grow firsthand and witnessed the positive impact it makes on young athletes.  

“Every season provides us great memories of players enjoying the game of football,” said Dietzen. “The special needs players that pioneered our Challenger Flag Football League provided inspirational moments through their touchdown celebration dances and great enthusiasm for the game of football. We thank them for giving us great memories and for teaching us more about courage, leadership and enthusiasm in dealing with life’s challenges.” 

USA Football congratulates Fox Valley Pop Warner Football, Inc. on a successful season and thanks them for serving as a model program worthy of Gold Level status.