FAQ: Everything You Need to Know Before Joining the Carolina Copperheads
We're excited you're considering joining the Carolina Copperheads for the 2026 season. Whether your athlete is new to football or returning for another year, this page will walk you through exactly what to expect.
Who Can Play
Our program is open to co-ed athletes ages 7-13, with teams organized by age:
For the 2026 Pop Warner season, the national age cutoff date has been moved up to July 14. An athlete's age on July 14, 2026, determines their age division for the season. No prior football experience is required; we welcome all skill levels.
How Registration Works
For the 2026 season, we are hosting three seasons: Spring Conditioning, a Summer Football Camp, and the Fall Tackle Season. You can complete registration for all three online through CarolinaCopperheads.org:
- Free Spring Conditioning: Open Now
- 2026 Summer Camp: Opening May 6th
- 2026 Fall Tackle Season: Opening May 6th
Once registered, you'll receive follow-up communication with next steps, team placement details, and key dates.
What You Can Expect From Our Programs:
Spring Conditioning
Our Spring Conditioning sessions help athletes build strength, agility, and confidence in a fun, low-pressure environment. With no pads required, it's a great way for both new and returning players to learn fundamentals, stay active, and get ready for the season ahead.
- Cost: FREE
- Dates: Runs Sundays from 5-7 p.m. through 6/14 (No Mother's Day or Memorial Day Weekend sessions)
- Athletes will need to bring sunscreen, a water bottle, and weather-appropriate attire and footwear
- Location: Next Level Kidz (1466 N Dobys Bridge Rd, Fort Mill, SC 29715)
Summer Camp
Our Summer Camp focuses on preparing athletes for the fall season through skill development, conditioning, and teamwork. No helmets or pads required. Players will build confidence, learn key fundamentals, and start getting game-ready in a more structured setting. We will hold a pre-season Combine during camp.
- Cost: $100 per athlete
- Dates: Monday, June 15 - Thursday, June 18, from 6-8 p.m.
- Athletes will need to bring sunscreen, a water bottle, and weather-appropriate attire and footwear
- Location: Catawba Ridge High School Track Field
Fall Tackle Season
Registration for the 2026 Fall Tackle Season will run $375 per athlete with the season starting July 15th.
This amount will help cover:
- League and Pop Warner fees
- Personalized game jerseys (You keep at the end of the season)
- Field and facility usage
- Insurance coverage
The organization can provide helmets and pads to athletes upon receipt of a signed agreement and a fully refundable check deposit, with the deposit returned upon return of the equipment at the season's end.
Additional optional costs may include spirit wear or travel for post-season playoff games.
What You'll Need to Register for the Fall Season
To participate, all athletes must do the following during registration:
- Upload of Birth Certificate (for Pop Warner verification)
- Upload of Athlete's 2025-26 Report Card
- Agree to the 2026 Youth Participant Medical History Form
- Agree to the 2026 Participant Contract and Parental Consent Form
Season Timeline (What to Expect)
Here’s a more detailed overview of how the 2026 season will progress:
• Summer Camp: June 15-June 18
• Post-Camp Break: A short break is built in after camp to allow athletes time to rest before the official start
• Voluntary Conditioning: Light conditioning sessions will be held on July 7 and July 9, leading into the start of the season
• Official Start Date (July 15): The season officially begins, and the mandatory practice period starts
MANDATORY PRACTICES: Athletes are required to complete 10 hours of mandatory non-contact practice before they are allowed to practice in advance of full contact. These practices will be held on 7/15, 7/16, 7/17, 7/20, 7/22, and 7/23.
Practices are held at Catawba Ridge High School from 6-8 p.m.
July 27: Teams will transition into the regular weekly practice schedule: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday from 6-8 p.m. at Catawba Ridge High School
Game Schedule
- Games are held on Saturdays, beginning in mid to late August
- Game times and locations will be shared once released by Carolinas Pop Warner
Mid-Season Adjustment
After the first few games, practices will shift to two days per week to balance development and recovery as the season progresses. Coaches will communicate the updated schedule and any team-specific adjustments directly with families.
Our goal is to make this a great experience for both athletes and families.