The Orange Empire Conference is a Pop Warner Little Scholars organization providing Football, Cheerleading, and Scholastic programs for boys and girls from ages 5 to 15 through its various member Associations since February 24, 1986. Tackle football and associated cheerleading programs are provided in all of our 26 member Associations. In addition, flag football programs are currently provided in 20 of the Associations. There are seven separate tackle football divisions. Each year OEC serves approximately 24,000 people in over 260 teams.
The Orange Empire Conference is a California non-profit public benefit corporation, operated on a day-to-day basis by an elected Commissioner, Bobby Espinosa, assisted by various other elected officers. A Board made up of Commissioners and the Presidents of the 26 member Associations establishes the rules and policies for the Conference.
The Orange Empire Conference is one of 15 Conferences in what is known as the WESCON region. The WESCON region is one of 8 National regions, and includes Conferences in Arizona, Nevada and Hawaii, as well as other Conferences in Southern California.
The Conference boundaries include all of Orange County and much of Los Angeles County.
Players and Cheerleaders residing within the boundaries of an existing Association must participate with that Association, unless they obtain a waiver from the Association prior to registration. Players and Cheerleaders, who reside outside the boundaries of an existing Association, are free to participate with the Association of their choice. Click here to see a list of our participating Associations and select the Association/City nearest you.
Our Philosophy
Pop Warner Football is an international program, founded in 1929. Its National headquarters is located in Langhorne, Pa. Pop Warner Football incorporates a philosophy that academics and athletics go together.
There are no All-star teams in Pop Warner Football. Indeed, the only awards, which are permitted, are for academics at the local, Conference or National level.
Tryouts are not permitted in Pop Warner Football. The program incorporates a "first come first served" approach to sign-ups until teams and cheerleading squads have been filled, although preference may be given to returning participants. All teams are required to follow rules guaranteeing a certain number of minimum plays for all participants .
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