HISTORY OF THE CFF
The Consolidated Football Federation actually began in 1970 when there were few alternatives available for area youth who wanted to play organized football or participate in cheerleading outside of school programs. Two local youth Associations, one in Cary, the other in Garner, began organizing teams to play each other. In the beginning, each of the two Associations had ten to twelve teams and played each other multiple times during the season. The Cary and Garner groups, searching for different opponents, joined the Wake County League. They played in the Wake league for one year and were dissatisfied with the lack of clearly written rules, and formal organization.
Mr. Chuck Norman, president of the Cary league, approached the Pop Warner offices to apply for a charter. He had researched various youth football organizations and decided to associate with Pop Warner. He liked the fact that Pop Warner had written rules, and educational standards that must be met for participation. He wanted to ensure that the local groups would be a formal organization, with By-Laws and written operating rules.
In 1972, after becoming a chartered member of Pop Warner Little Scholars, Inc., Cary and Garner welcomed another Association from Raleigh into the group. At that time, Mr. Norman formally organized the Consolidated Football Federation. Because of Mr. Norman’s leadership and reputation, more and more Associations applied for membership. From very modest beginnings, the CFF has grown to fifteen member Associations representing approximately 3,500 children from Wake, Durham, Chatham, Johnston, and Lee Counties.
Mr. Norman remained as Commissioner of the CFF for thirty years, retiring in 2001. Because of Mr. Norman’s vision and desire to provide a quality football and cheerleading program for area youth, and his strict adherence to the rules and regulations of Pop Warner, the CFF is among the most successful and respected Pop Warner members in the nation. The CFF is strong, and continues to grow. The CFF is deeply indebted to Mr. Norman for having a vision and seeing it through.
©2003 by DENNIS FIELDS. All rights reserved.