Welcome to Needham Jr. Cheer
Needham Junior Cheerleading is a recreational program open to children in grades 1 through 8. We emphasize spirit, teamwork, safety, and commitment. Cheerleading is one of the nation’s fastest growing sports, and we are pleased to be a part of Needham’s proud cheer tradition!
SPIRIT
Needham Junior Cheer squads cheer at all Needham Junior Football games in the fall. Our cheerleaders promote spirit and crowd support during the games as well as perform a cheer routine at half-time. Home games usually take place on Saturdays at Memorial Field, and away games can be on Saturday or Sunday.
TEAMWORK
Cheer is a team sport that combines dance, tumbling, stunting and overall athleticism. It requires a high level of commitment from each participant. In addition to games, our squads participate in numerous cheer competitions each season. Older squads often advance to regional and even national competitions.
COMMITMENT
Our program does not hold tryouts; we are open to any Needham or Westwood youth athlete grades 1 through 8, regardless of cheer experience. Conditioning and skill repetition, however, are paramount to a safe and rewarding experience for every athlete. Each participant in our program is required to commit to attend all practices and games, as well as competitions.
Summer practices for all teams start in mid-August. Older squads practice 2-3 nights a week, younger squads practice 2 nights a week until school starts.
After Labor Day, practices move indoors, and will be 2 hours, 2-3 times a week for older squads; and 60-90 mins, 2 times a week for younger squads. Specific days/times vary and will be communicated by each team’s coach.
Competitions are a great way for our teams to show off all their hard work. Competition dates are communicated as soon as they’re set, but they’re always held on a Saturday or Sunday.
Please note: extra practices will be held for choreography, as well as in the weeks leading up to a competition. And while ALL practices are important, they are especially vital leading up to a competition.
SAFETY
All Needham Junior Cheer coaches emphasize safety in practices and routines. All parents and participants should be aware of the inherent risks of the tumbling and stunting that are part of any cheer routine. We make every effort to ensure safe practice space, ensure proper conditioning and mastery of specific building skills before progressing to more difficult levels. Additionally, at least one member of each cheer squad, including its Head Coach, is required to be First Aid Certified.