CHEER PROGRAM
The SYFL Cheer and Dance Program offer local youth the opportunity to learn the basic skills needed to advance in the sport of cheerleading. It prepares cheerleaders that have already mastered the basic skills, the opportunity to improve their skills of jumping, tumbling, and stunting techniques. Many of the teams are also taught more advanced dances, side line cheers, and motions. The SYFL also offers local youth the opportunity to pursue a spot on a competitive cheer team.
The younger cheerleaders (5-8) will learn to memorize cheers and master the art of performing in front of a crowd. With training from one of our partners JAMZ International (provide coaches certification for a special clinic) they will learn arm motion techniques, proper poster, jumps and kicks, tumbling, stunting, and rigorous dances. Our teams have the opportunity to bond as a team and progress together. Cheerleaders treasure their relationships and gain experiences that last a life time.
The 2008 season was the SYFL's first League Cheer Competition where over 20 of our teams competed. This was the first of this type of competition for many of the girls (we encourage both boys and girls to participate in both the football and cheer programs). Many of the teams did not participate due to funding restraints. 2009 brought about more participants and spectators. We had over 300 of our SYFL cheerleaders compete in the "Show Cheer" category in front of over 2000 guests. This event was a huge success that generated money for the cheer program.
Proceeds from the cheer competition are used to support cheer teams that go on to represent the SYFL at the National competition in Las Vegas. At the end of the 2009 season, there were 7 performances at Nationals of which SYFL teams placed 1st, 2nd, and 3rd.
The SYFL cheer staff members are always looking to write grants to raise money so that we can send more teams to the National competition. In addition, grant monies will be earmarked to support families that have multiple cheerleaders and have genuine hardships, in which they need monetary support for purchasing uniforms and paying for cheer camp.
Our vision for the SYFL cheer program is to continue to work on training inner city children in the area of cheerleading so that they have the skills necessary to support the football players in the SYFL and to advance to National and International competitions as participants and having the opportunity to accomplish the spirit of being a winner.
Contact: Dea Tramble, Cheer Director
Syflcheer2@att.net
