Blue Streak Parents, 

First, I would like to welcome each one of you! I am very excited about this season and can’t wait to get started. I look forward to working with you and want you all to know that I will need your help in making this a positive experience for all these kids. I believe communication between the parents; coaches and I will be one of the keys to a successful season.

My number one goal is to teach these young kids the fundamentals of this great game of football and have as much FUN as possible in the process. This will be many of these player’s first or second year, and I want to see them back here in the future. Saratoga Pop Warner provides the opportunity for children ages 3-12 to participate in our football program. Our football players learn lifelong skills such as commitment, teamwork, dedication, and responsibility all while learning this amazing sport. 

Everyone will get plenty of playing time. Coaches will work very hard at this so please be patient with the coaching staff as this will be one of the toughest tasks, but one we will pay close attention to because this is a very sensitive area where parents are concerned. I promise we will be fair to all and will give every player an opportunity to succeed at all levels.  I feel that competition is important, and that bar will rise as they move throughout the Pop Warner program, right on through to High School football and beyond. The coaching staff will do it’s best to put each child in a position that will benefit the team. I want them to have both confidence and success no matter where we place them. We may move them around a bit until we find that perfect spot for their ability to shine through. We will be fair and there will no favoritism I assure you. The easiest way to learn and have fun in this game is to be out there on the field during live competition. We will win and lose as one. When we line up after the completion of the game to shake hands with the opponent any given week, we will congratulate them the same way win or lose with the best of sportsmanship regardless to how they treat us.

I want to remind the parents and athletes that this is a volunteered run program, that all our board members and coaches are here for the children whether that be cheer or football. I will ensure that all coaches will give your children the upmost respect they deserve, I ask in return that your children give the same back to them. Bullying of any degree will not be tolerated from parents or athletes. As for parents I understand that we are all passionate about or children and in the heat of the moment we may yell or scream form the sidelines at the coaches, I would ask that we please refrain from yelling at coaches from the sidelines. This only creates a negative environment for the kids playing. If you have an issue or problem, I encourage you to talk to the coaches after the game. If you don’t feel comfortable talking to the coach, feel free to contact me and we can discuss the situation.

Practice begins the week of August 1. Each team’s practice schedule has been determined and will be posted at sspw.net. Practices for TM, MM, JPW and PW will be held at East Side Rec. Monday- Thursday 6-8 pm until Labor Day. After Labor Day practice will reduce to 3 times per week 6-7:30 (scheduled days will be released later). In the event of poor weather, we will make appropriate arrangements. Please remember to monitor your email for updates throughout the season. Beginning in September Pop Warner Football games begin throughout the capital district. The season ends in October baring us making playoffs. The calendar will be updated with these dates as soon as they are provided to us. Once registration is final, we will begin the process of creating team rosters for the appropriate age groups. Keep in mind that we are governed by the rules of Pop Warner as they set the age groups for teams. 

Within the cost of your registration fee of $190, your child will receive a custom jersey including name and number. We will do our best to provide the number your child desires as there may be multiple kids that want the same number. For our Flag level kids the registration fee is $150 and you will also receive a custom jersey including name and number with shorts. The program will provide helmets, pants with pads and shoulder pads for tackle level kids.  You will need to provide your child with a mouth guard, cleats, water bottle, etc... The registration fee also helps to pay for the East Side Rec field fees for practice and games as we must pay to use the facility.

One of the most important aspects to this program is getting Volunteers. We are always in the need of volunteers to help with various task to run the program. The concession stand can always use the help as this is one of the main ways, we make money to run the program. We may have opportunities for Coaching. Setting up the field before games or fundraising events. This is a vital part of the organization all help will be much appreciated. If you are interested in volunteering, please email one of the SSPW board members or feel to express your interest in person. 

Lastly, if anyone has any problems at all please feel free to speak to me in person, email, call me anytime, and we will work it out. If I’m not made aware of a problem, then I have no way of correcting it. I know going in I will never be able to please everyone, but this fact will not stop me from still trying. It is an honor and a privilege to work these young kids, and their safety and well-being is of the up-most importance I assure you all. Thank you all for your participation in Saratoga Pop Warner.

Thank You, 

Richard Bussing 

Saratoga Pop Warner VP 

(518) 727-5863

[email protected]