By Thomas Gutierrez

Oceanside CA – With their home field located in the pleasant confines of Tri-City Christian, the Oceanside Warriors Athletic Association (OWAA) has been establishing itself as a first class organization and youth football league since its inception in 2014.

Part of one of the largest organizations in the nation AYF (American Youth Football), the Warriors provide an alternative route to the traditional Pop Warner path for football players. The divisions are organized strictly around the age of the player rather than a standard traditional weight requirement.
It all began during fall of 2013 amidst the folding of the Oceanside Trojans football league. A group of friends and football aficionados realized that there was a need to continue a youth football program that was not based on stringent size requirements.
OWAA President and former Oceanside Pirate standout, Jason Mageo, had a plan along with several other visionaries. “My wife and I alongside Maggie and Puka Zimmerman talked about starting a new league. We met with the Zimmerman’s and talked about creating a league and those who would be involved,” said Mageo. “We knew there was a need for this league and that the community would support it. We assembled a Board and began to build the Oceanside Warriors and here we are today…”

Side by side with founding members Puka Zimmerman, Maggie Zimmerman, Kim Mageo, Jacob Mageo, Madeline Afasene, Danny Afasene, Fara Moi, Junior Moi, Erin Ramsey, Gabe Tavale, and Kim Beachem they have recently completed their 5th season as part of the SDYFC youth football organization.
And after 5 seasons the SDYFC football model has provided more competitive games as well as allowing all kids to compete on the gridiron. “Being that we are age based and not weight restricted, we do have a lot of Polynesian kids which is great! In prior years, all big kids who couldn’t make weight for Pop Warner had to wait until high school to play football. We provide an opportunity for all kids to participate,” explained Mageo.
Beginning with a 7-Under flag football league, the tackle football program is divided in the following age groups: 8-U, 9-U, 10-U, 11-U, 12-U, and 13/14-U.
As a result, the Warriors have produced some of the top players in the county as Kyrin Beachem (Oceanside Pirates), Christopher Laie Jr. (Oceanside Pirates), Isaac Tinoisamoa (El Camino Wildcats), Jonathan Tuitasi (El Camino Wildcats), Shiloh Seau (Mission Hills Grizzlies) Desmond Taua (Vista Panthers) and Noah Laga (Tri-City Christian) to name a few.
With the recent completion of the 2018 season, the Oceanside Warriors are looking forward to another successful season in 2019. If you would like to be a volunteer, donate, or be a sponsor please contact President Jason Mageo at 760-583-2062 or OWAAPrez@gmail.com