POP WARNER FOOTBALL
Pop Warner Football
In 1995, Hall of Fame football coach Bill Hollenbeck from Glen Lake and Al Crocker of Suttons Bay had a vision — to create a youth football program that would teach the fundamentals of the game while preparing kids to succeed in middle and high school leagues. Understanding that youth development is at the heart of the YMCA mission, Bill partnered with the Grand Traverse Bay YMCA to launch a program that was safe, simple, and affordable for families.
Working alongside other dedicated coaches, the group chose to affiliate with Pop Warner Football, a national organization known for its emphasis on safety, teamwork, and sportsmanship. That first season welcomed 120 young athletes from Glen Lake, Traverse City, Frankfort, McBain, Benzie, Suttons Bay, Kingsley and Elk Rapids — the start of something truly special for Northern Michigan youth.
Today, nearly 30 years later, the league has grown to include 31 towns across Northern Michigan: Benzie, Boyne City, Brethren, Cadillac, Central Lake, Charlevoix, East Jordan, Elk Rapids, Evart, Forest Area, Frankfort, Gaylord, Glen Lake, Harbor Springs, Hart, Inland Lakes, Kingsley, Lake City, Ludington, Mancelona, Manistee, Manton, Marion, McBain, Mesick, Onekama, Pellston, Petoskey, Pine River, Scottville, Suttons Bay, and Traverse City.
Each year, more than 2,000 young athletes participate in our football and cheerleading programs, gaining confidence, discipline, and a lifelong love of the game.
Many of these players go on to become standout high school athletes, leading teams that have earned State Championship titles — most recently Kingsley High School in 2023. Their success is a testament to the strong foundation built right here in our YMCA Pop Warner league — where every season starts with teamwork, safety, and community spirit.
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