Franklin Panthers Youth Cheerleading
Building Champions, Creating Memories, Inspiring Excellence. Welcome to the Franklin Panthers Cheerleading family! We're passionate about developing young athletes through teamwork, dedication, and school spirit. Whether you're new to cheer or returning for another season, we're excited to have you join our Panther family.
Registration & Getting Started
Ready to Join the Panthers?
Registration for our Fall Cheer Season opens in March. Early registration allows you to take advantage of convenient payment plans! Athletes register based on their grade, and once registration is complete, athletes are placed on teams based on age and registration numbers.
Age Requirements
We welcome athletes in Kindergarten through 8th grade. Your child must be 5 years old by July 31 of the current season to participate.
What You'll Need to Submit
- Completed Player Packet
- Original birth certificate (with raised seal) for inspection plus one copy
- Copy of your athlete's most recent report card (for Fall season)
- Physical or medical clearance dated in the calendar year of the season
We'll host an in-person "Paperwork Turn-In" event with details shared via email and social media.
Practice Schedule & Locations
Summer Practices:
When: Practices begin the last week of July or first week of August
Where: Held outdoors at Franklin High School
Schedule: Typically Monday–Thursday evenings
- Younger teams: 2–3 days per week
- 10U-14U teams: 4 days per week
Important: All athletes must complete 10 hours of conditioning to start the season.
Fall Practices
Where: Indoor facilities including Downtown Sports in Franklin and other assigned gyms
Schedule:
- Younger teams: 1–2 days per week
- 10U-14U teams: 3 days per week, additional practices maybe added as needed closer to competition date
We'll also schedule a Mandatory Choreography Day early in the season with advance notice from coaches.
Season Timeline
The season typically ends in late October but may run until mid-December for teams that advance to AYC Nationals.
Attendance Is Critical
Missing even one athlete impacts the entire team's ability to practice stunts safely. Nationally tracked teams have mandatory attendance requirements and must document all absences and tardiness.
Safety Rule: Athletes who miss final practice(s) before a competition—regardless of reason—will not be permitted to compete.
Team Structure
How Teams Are Divided
Team placement is based on age as of July 31, following AYC guidelines. Final team offerings depend on registration numbers.
Team Divisions:
- 6U – Exhibition team (non-nationally tracked)
- 8U – Competition Non-Advancing (2–3 local competitions)
- 10U – Competition Advancing (can progress to Nationals)
- 12U – Competition Advancing (can progress to Nationals)
- 14U – Competition Advancing (can progress to Nationals)
Teams are assigned a Level (1–4) based on the skill level of the majority. Team sizes may determine if we compete in Small or Large division.
Competition Season
Competition Schedule
Competitions begin in October with the following schedule:
October 4 Weekend - Power In Pink Competition (All teams)
October 11 Weekend - Invitational Competition (Teams vary)
October 18 Weekend - E-Mass Locals Competition, Waltham (All teams)
October 25 - States Competition, Lowell MA (Top 3 nationally tracked teams from Locals)
November 8 - Regional Competition, Mohegan Sun CT (Top 3 nationally tracked teams from States)
November 8 – Reggie Lewis, Boston (Non advancing nationally tracked teams)
December 2-7 - Nationals, Kissimmee FL (Qualifying teams)
*Competition times are usually announced the week of each event.
What to Expect on Competition Day
- Athletes meet for hair and team preparation—often at a central location
- Coaches may organize carpools
- Athletes stay with their team until after awards
- Bring concession money in a labeled bag for coach distribution
- After awards and team photos, athletes may leave with parents
Nationals Travel
Location: Orlando/Kissimmee, Florida in early December
Family Responsibilities: Booking "Stay to Play" hotels and flights
Fundraising Support May Cover:
- Up to $450 of the athlete's flight
- 25% of hotel cost (rooms of 4)
- Meals, AYC hoodie, Nationals practice wear, and other items
Football Games & Sideline Cheer
- Game Schedule
- Most games are on Sundays
- We aim for at least one Saturday night game per season
- Athletes cheer at both home and away games
- Full game schedule typically available in mid-August
Game Day Experience
- Arrive one hour early for team meeting and warm-up
- Referees and an EMT are present at every game
- Concessions and restrooms usually available
Costs & Equipment
Required Gear (Estimated Costs)
- Warm-Up Jacket and pants: $50-$100
- Competition Jersey (Nationals teams): $40–50
- Cheer Shoes: $50–$100
- White no-show socks
- Competition Merch - $20-$50 optional
Uniforms and competition bows are provided and must be returned in good condition at season's end.
Practice Attire
- Athletes should wear athletic gear to practice:
- Fitted shorts and tank top or t-shirt
- Athletic or cheer shoes
- Hair pulled back, no jewelry or long nails
Additional Costs
- Competition Tickets: Invitational and local events (~$15); State/Regionals/Nationals ($30–50+ per person, per day)
Financial Assistance
- Scholarships are available for families needing financial assistance. Please email the Cheer Coordinator for information.
- Note: Scholarships do not cover costs for Nationally Tracked teams. Speak with your Cheer Coordinator directly for more information.
Policies & Requirements
Attendance Policy - may vary from team to team based on age group
Attendance is mandatory. Cheer is a team sport and stunts depend on full attendance.
- 3 tardies = 1 absence
- 3 unexcused absences = moved to Sideline Only team
- Final practice(s) before a competition are required to compete
Excused Absences: Graded school events and family emergencies
Not Excused: Conflicts with other sports or school dances/socials
Parent & Guardian Requirements
Fundraising: All families are expected to participate in fundraisers including canning at local businesses.
Volunteering: Our league runs entirely on volunteers. Please consider helping with:
- Game day chains
- Concession stands
- Competition volunteers (PIP and Locals)
Behavior Policy
All cheerleaders and families are expected to adhere to our code of conduct. Fighting, intimidation, bullying, use of illegal substances, or disrespect for authority will not be tolerated and may result in suspension or removal from the program without refund.
Remember that each cheerleader represents Franklin Youth Football & Cheer and the Town of Franklin. Always conduct yourself with good sportsmanship toward our organization, team members, coaches, and opposing teams.
Stay Connected
Communication Channels
- Email for official updates
- TeamLink for team-specific information
- Social Media - Follow us on Facebook & Instagram
Panther Friday
Every Friday during the season, athletes wear their Franklin Panthers gear to school to show team spirit! Share your Panther Friday photos on your team's Facebook & Instagram page to be featured on our social media.
Contact Information
Questions? Contact our Cheer Coordinator, Rachael Lane
Need Financial Assistance? Email Cheer Coordinator to request a scholarship form
Welcome to the Panther Family!
We know this is a lot of information, but we want every family to feel informed and excited about our program. We're passionate about developing our athletes and can't wait to welcome you to the Franklin Panthers family!