This document discusses the costs associated with becoming a cheerleader and provides tips for finding cheap uniforms and gear. It notes that cheerleading is an affordable way to stay fit and make friends. Some key expenses include uniforms, hair bows, and white tennis shoes, but many items can be purchased inexpensively, especially if teams buy in bulk. The document also provides an overview of the audition process and expectations for participating on a cheerleading squad.
2. If you want a way to keep fit and make friends, it is
worth considering becoming a cheerleader. There are
plenty of opportunities to both support other sports
teams and to compete for your own group. It is not as
expensive as you may think, as the clothes you need can
be bought cheaply, such as cheap cheerleading
uniforms.
3. Firstly you need to find a cheer team. Usually there will
be an advertisement for new members, and there are
often a number of new people recruited at the same
time. Alternatively, you could ask a squad directly if you
already know which one you want to join.
4. Auditions can vary from team to team, but it is likely to
revolve around dancing and tumbling. Some teams will
take absolute beginners, perhaps just for classes to start
with, before you can then move on to an events team.
However, it is better for your chances of success if you
can perform some moves like the splits or a few
tumbles.
5. Most teams like to use tumbles in their routines. It
would help if you could perform a basic tumble at the
audition stage, although it is likely that you will be given
training if you are accepted. To get a head start, try
learning a move from a trampoline or gymnastics coach.
You could even attend a cheer skills class so that you can
really impress at the audition.
6. After you join, you will be expected to look the part. The
outfit will usually be a skirt, top and shorts to wear
underneath. In the winter you may also like to wear a
long sleeved top to go underneath your cheer top,
especially for cheering outdoors at games.
7. Hair bows are also increasingly popular. These can be
worn either with your hair up or down, so it can be
suited to both competitions and sports appearances.
The colour you need will be specified by your coach or
captain.
8. A lot of the performances a cheerleader is required to
do are supporting other sports teams. However, there
are also specific competitions set up for cheer squads.
Depending on the type of competition, your squad may
choose to wear the normal outfit, or you could wear a
costume. For example, a theme with matching costumes
and music could make you stand out from the crowd.
9. Footwear is another important consideration. Trainers
are the best thing to wear for training purposes, as you
can dance as well as tumble. Usually the specified colour
is white, but most squads will allow some room for
logos, meaning you can search around for the cheapest
deals.
10. Becoming a cheerleader is sure to bring you fun, friends
and fitness, and it does not have to be expensive. Cheap
cheerleading uniforms, bows and trainers are widely
available. Consider urging the coach or captain to buy in
bulk so that they can be sold cheaply to individual
members of the team.