1. Learn the Age Range
Cheerleading combines elements of dance and athleticism and develops coordination and self confidence while nurturing the skills needed for effective leadership. Youth cheerleading leagues begin as young as age 5 and usually go up through age 15. These leagues operate through a variety of local organizations and community sports centers and competitions take cheer teams all over the country.
2. Give Your Child a Workout
With current trends in childhood obesity, it's more important than ever to get kids on their feet. Children can gain stamina and coordination while working on cheerleading routhines. If your child doesn't yet have the skills to make the local sports teams, a cheerleading team offers an alternative in which he can build muscles, participate in cardio workouts and learn to work with others toward a common goal. Youth cheerleading is a fun way to get the most reluctant athlete up, moving and enjoying physical activity.
3. Weight vs. Age
As referenced in Step 1, most cheerleading organizations group athletes by age. However, according to several different sports medicine institutes, injury is less likely to occur when kids are grouped by size and weight. Cheerleading is no exception. The tumbling, dancing and lifts that compose many cheerleading routines mean size really matters. Look for coaches who consider size when they divide their teams into groups.
4. One Big Happy Team
Most cheerleading youth leagues enforce no-cut policies. Anyone who signs up for a team stays on it. This is a wonderful confidence booster for kids who've never tried out for a sport, or who have failed to make a team. Youth cheerleading leagues have different levels for different abilities. When signing your child up, make sure the team has a no-cut policy and that the coach puts the kids' needs ahead of winning.
5. Athletic Focus
For years cheerleading had the reputation of being only for popular girls with little interest in sports and academics. Today's cheerleaders are some of the better athletes in their schools. Challenging routines, tumbling, lifts and jumps make cheerleading a respected sport among high school and college spectators. Youth cheerleading leagues, although not as intense, prepare young minds and bodies to be more athletic. The leagues foster creativity and team building.
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