Story highlights Pop Warner announces it has become the first national football organization to eliminate kickoffs

The ban will be put into effect in the three youngest divisions when the season begins this fall

Pop Warner has 225,000 football players nationwide

(CNN) Pop Warner, the nation's oldest youth football program, announced Thursday that it has become the first national football organization to eliminate kickoffs.

The ban will take effect in the three youngest divisions when the season begins this fall. The organization said it's aimed at significantly reducing the number of full-speed, head-on impacts in games.

After the season, Pop Warner said it will evaluate the results and consider implementing the kickoff ban in older divisions as well.

Pop Warner leagues have 225,000 football players in the U.S., and another 100,000 youths in cheerleading and dance programs.

"We are constantly working to make the game safer and better for our young athletes, and we think this move is an important step in that direction," said Jon Butler, Pop Warner's executive director, in a statement. "Eliminating kickoffs at this level adds another layer of safety without changing the nature of this great game. We are excited to look at the results at the end of the year as we explore additional measures."

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