How, What, and When of Cheerleading

If you have grown up with cheerleading or cheerleaders, you know the sport can be HIGHLY addicting.  For most girls once they try it they are hooked for life.  There are a few that out grow it quickly, but for those that do not I have listed the Options for cheerleading by age.  Also included is the cost and the time commitment expectation.  It is not a complete or an exact list, but will give you an idea of what you can look forward too.

Youth Cheer

Pop Warner and Recreational Leagues

Ages: 5-16 years

Practice Times: 2-3 times per week plus games or competitions

Time Commitment: 4-5 months (August to November or December)

Cost: approximately $120 for registrations, plus uniforms and travel expenses.

Youth cheerleaders typically are assigned to a youth football team.  They follow the team around to their games and most are offered a local competition toward the end of the season.  The older girls may have an opportunity to cheer at a Regional and/or a National Competition.  The time commitment is a little shorter if you are worried about burnout, but the training and coaching is not always intense.

All Star Cheerleading

Cheer and Gymnastics Gyms

Ages 3-18 years (and older)

Practice Times: 2-3 times per week plus Saturday competitions and other events.  No Games.

Time Commitment: approximately 10 months. Tryouts start in May, competitions start in September and run through April.

Cost: Varies by Gym.  Registration Fee, Monthly Class Fees, Uniform Fee, Travel and Competition Fees.

All Star cheerleading is not like traditional cheerleading.  It basically runs year around.  There are no games to cheer at, but the teams practice 2-3 times a week and focus on jumps, tumbling, stunting and routine work.  They perform and local events and travel to 1-2 day competitions on weekends.  The coaching and training is intense and the commitment is big to include practices, performances and fundraisers.

High School Cheer

Games, Competitions, School Functions, and Community Involvement

Ages: 13-18 years - Freshman to Senior Year of High School.

Practice Times: 4-5 times per week plus games, competitions and events

Time Commitment: 8-9 months (Tryouts in May. Practice and games from July to February)

Cost: Varies by school but can be from  $350 to $1000 for uniforms, spirit packs, and competitions.

High school cheer is the most traditional type of cheer.  Sideline cheerleaders perform  at games and assemblies.  Many cheer squads are also attending competitions and events throughout the year.  The commitment is big.  Lots of time spent at the school.  There is also a grade requirement and you may be asked to take outside classes for tumbling and dance.

College Cheer

Games, Competitions, School Functions, and Community Involvement

Ages: 18+ years - Freshman to Senior Year of College.

Practice Times: 3-4 times per week plus games, competitions and events

Time Commitment: Year around.  Tryouts are usually in April or May and Events, games and competitions run all year.

Cost: Varies by school but can be from  $0 to $500 for uniforms, travel, and competitions.

Collegiate cheer is a very large commitment with many benefits.  Some schools offer scholarships to cheerleaders and access to gyms, trainers, tutoring, etc.  While busy, collegiate cheerleaders learn valuable time management skills and get to travel.  Making the team is very competitive and the requirements often include elite stunts and tumbling skills.  Typically it is easier to make the team as a guy, but the work-load is the same.

Professional Cheerleading

Professional Sports Teams (Games and Community Events)

Ages: 18+ years

Practice Times: 2-3 times per week plus games and community events

Time Commitment: Year around.  Tryouts are usually in April or May and Events, games and competitions run all year.

Cost: Usually you are paid to be on these teams.  The pay is minimal, $50-100 per game.

Pro Cheer is one of the most elite squads you can join.  The tryouts are incredibly competitive and can last a few weeks.  Pro Cheerleaders are typically more dance related and less like traditional cheerleaders.  They must have a dance background or have taken dance classes.  The opportunities for Pro Cheerleaders are endless!  Many companies support our military and travel all over the world to entertain.  There are a lot of community performances and the coveted cheerleader calendar.

If you are interested in any of these cheerleading options, you should be able to do an online search to see what is available in your area.  Check around and make sure that you are working with a good organization. 

Good Luck!

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