| | The Hampshire Jr. Whip-Purs are proudly affiliated with Chicagoland Pop Warner. Pop Warner is one of the largest and most respected youth sports organizations in the country, founded in 1929 with a mission to provide safe, structured, and educational athletic opportunities for young athletes. With a strong emphasis on academic achievement, sportsmanship, and character development, Pop Warner has been a leader in youth football and cheerleading for nearly a century. The organization serves hundreds of thousands of participants nationwide and is well known for its age- and weight-based divisions, focus on player safety, and its nationally recognized Little Scholars academic program.
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| | Over the years, the Jr. Whip-Purs have offered competitive cheer opportunities through Pop Warner, AYC, and ILCA at the recreational level. Following the 2024 season, however, we saw a continued decline in enrollment and overall interest in recreational competitive cheer. Many athletes chose to pursue more established private tumbling and dance programs, while others joined organizations competing at higher levels than the ILCA C-REC division.
At the same time, we heard from many athletes who were involved in those outside programs but still wanted the opportunity to participate in sideline cheer with their peers. Rather than dividing our resources across two lower-level programs, the Board made the decision to focus exclusively on strengthening our sideline cheer program.
By concentrating fully on sideline cheer, we are able to provide a better overall experience, stronger game-day presence, and more consistent opportunities for our athletes. This decision does not rule out the possibility of offering competitive cheer again in the future if interest and participation levels support it. For now, our athletes are thriving, and we are proud of the direction our cheer program is moving.
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| | Chicagoland Pop Warner is a large conference that spans much of Northern Illinois, with teams located in Winnebago, Cook, Kendall, Kane, DuPage, Will, McHenry, Lake, and DeKalb counties. While some away games may require travel of up to two hours, the majority are much closer. All practices and home games are held at Hampshire Middle School.
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| | No. The Hampshire Jr. Whip-Purs Football Program is a full-contact tackle football program that serves as a feeder program for athletes aspiring to play at Hampshire High School.
We are not a YMCA or Park District–style recreational program. To put in the terms baseball families would understand, our program is more comparable to a travel baseball program rather than Little League. While we place a strong emphasis on athlete growth and development, we are also a competitive program, focused on building teams that can successfully compete at the older age levels and prepare athletes for the high school game.
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| | Participation in the Hampshire Jr. Whip-Purs Football and Cheer program requires a shared commitment from both athletes and parents to ensure a positive, productive, and respectful environment for everyone involved.
Athlete Expectations
Athletes are expected to attend all scheduled practices, games, and team events unless excused in advance. Maintaining academic eligibility is essential; all athletes must meet or exceed the minimum grade point average required under Pop Warner standards. While on the field—whether at practice or during games—athletes are expected to give their coaches full attention, demonstrate strong effort, and follow instruction. Good sportsmanship, respect for teammates, opponents, officials, and coaches, and adherence to team rules are required at all times. Our program is committed to developing not only skilled athletes, but also responsible, respectful, and well-rounded members of the community.
Parent Expectations
Parents play a critical role in their child’s experience and development. Parents are expected to support and encourage their athletes, reinforce coaching instruction, and promote a positive attitude toward teamwork and effort. Respectful behavior toward coaches, officials, volunteers, opponents, and other families is expected at all practices, games, and events. Parents should communicate proactively with coaches regarding absences, concerns, or questions and follow established channels for addressing issues. Shared Responsibility
Both athletes and parents are expected to uphold the values of the Jr. Whip-Purs program, including accountability, integrity, and respect. Timely communication, adherence to Pop Warner and program policies, and a commitment to creating a safe, positive, and supportive environment are essential to the success of our teams and the overall experience of our families.
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