How old does my child need to be for cheerleading?

Pee wee cheerleading is for 3rd and 4th graders.

Juniors are 5th and 6th graders

Seniors are 7th and 8th graders

How much does registration cost? 

Registration for our cheer team is $250 which includes full uniform (including undergarments, sneakers, socks, bow), fees for Cheer Exhibition, use of cheer poms at games, and all other activities such as pizza party and more…

When does the football season begin and end? 

The season starts the first week of August, with games starting in early September, and continues through the first week of November. This is a commitment, and cheer leaders are required to attend all practices and games. If a conflict occurs, please advise your coach at your earliest convenience.

Where are the games played? 

Practices and home games are held at Kirk Parker Field at 85 School St (behind Phelps school) in Agawam. Away games are all within an hour drive. Schedules can be found on the Agawam Youth Football website once the season begins.

Games begin in September and are played on Sunday afternoons between 12-3pm, with an occasional Saturday night game.* Depending on your season, football teams may play in play-off games. The cheer team cheers at games and play-offs and participate in a cheer exhibition if it is offered during the season.

How often does cheer practice?

They practice stunting, tumbling, cheering, and dancing to prepare for the games. From the first week of August until the start of school, we practice 3 times per week for 1.5 hours each day Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursdays from 4:30pm-6pm. Once school begins, we practice 2 nights per week for 1.5 hours each on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Academics are a priority for our student-athletes, so we scale back practice commitments to allow time for homework. Practices traditionally begin at 4:30 pm and end at 6 pm. Cheerleaders must attend practice regularly. 

Can you teach my child to do tumbling skills such as a cart wheel?

The coaches do not teach children basic tumbling skills. We focus on our cheerleaders strengths. Some cheerleaders join the team with previous experience in tumbling as many have previous experience with dance, acro or gymnastics, but this is not required. We will teach side line cheers, basic stunting skills, and build upon a cheer routine which includes a tumbling portion. Our practices are limited and most children have no experience with cheer, and we do not have the time or resources to teach individual tumbling skills. We recommend children continue their skills in the off season by participating in local dance, acro or gymnastics programs.

Do I have to stay at practices? 

It is encouraged that parents stay, especially on days when the weather can be unpredictable. It’s a social experience for our kids and can be a social experience for us too. 

Why do parents need to volunteer? 

Parents are encouraged to volunteer because this is a parent-run organization. Volunteering can consist of different duties. Examples can be working the concession stand, chain gang, field set-up, fundraising etc. Volunteering can be flexible. It takes everyone doing a little of something to pull the program forward. Without all the parents volunteering the program would falter. Everyone has different skills and gifts and all are needed to better the program. Please consider supporting our youth sports by volunteering.

We will have brief parent meetings throughout the season to go over more planning, events and details.