Our cheer program is dedicated to teaching the fundamentals of sideline cheer while also developing their skills for competition style cheer. Cheerleaders will experience the enthusiasm of sideline cheer, the atmosphere of a pep-rally, and the excitement of hitting the competition mat at CheerFest. The sport of Cheerleading teaches children perseverance, teamwork, discipline, camaraderie, coordination, it increases endurance and stamina, it strengthens them mentally and physically, and provides mentorship through their coaches.  Watch your cheerleader jump, tumble, and stunt with the Bullfrogs!

What will my cheerleader be doing & learn from the LWYA?

We want to make our programs a fun, rewarding, & positive experience for each of our athletes. Sportsmanship is an understanding of and commitment to fair play, ethical behavior, integrity, respect of officials and coaches, and general goodwill toward an opponent. It is an declaration that an athlete is disciplined enough to have perspective, maintain self-control, and do what is best for his or her teammates. Parents, coaches, and team leaders are an essential part of maintaining group sportsmanship and composure. We truly care about developing our athletes past sportsmanship by instilling leadership values, a teamwork mentality, problem-solving skills, self-confidence, & character. 

We want to set our cheerleaders up for success should they want to try-out for middle school & high school cheer. Your cheerleader will also learn the basics of cheerleading, stunting, jumps, a choreographed dance for half-time, tumbling with previous experience, competition, & gain a network of lasting relationships along the way. 

What other events can my cheerleader look forward to during the season?

Other events outside of football games include, but are not limited to or guaranteed: Summer Cheer Camp, Homecoming Parade with Lake Worth ISD, CheerFest Competition, Dallas RedZone Games at AT&T Stadium, & other fun events organized & planned by your cheerleader's coach. 

What are the ages/grade level of cheerleaders?

LWYA Cheerleading Program is for boys & girls. Participant ages range from four (4) through twelve (12). 12 year old participants must be no older than 6th grade. 

Do you allow male cheerleaders?

Yes!

When does registration open & close?

Cheer Registration opens January 1st & closes May 15th.  

**No cheerleaders will be accepted after May 15th and/or once LWYA cheer max number has been met, whichever comes first. There are absolutely NO EXCEPTIONS due to the amount of time the uniform manufacturers take to make the uniforms. 

What does my registration fee cover?

Registration fees cover the cost of the end-of-season participation trophy & program operating costs. Uniforms are billed separately.

WE HAVE A NO REFUND POLICY.

How much is the uniform?

Cheerleading uniform costs are billed separately from the registration fee. Fundraisers will be available for uniform packages. Uniform costs are estimated around $350 or less to include: skirt, top, long-sleeve undershirt, white cheer shoes, white cheer socks, warm-up jacket, warm-up pants, backpack, one camp-wear outfit, & a bow.

*Some coaches may opt to get additional items for their teams (i.e. megaphones, additional bows, or pink out attire). These items may either be funded via team fundraising and/or individual purchases.

Is the uniform fitting mandatory & when is it?

YES, uniform fittings are mandatory for all cheerleaders & there are no make-up dates. Cheer fittings take place in late-May or early-June.

When will cheerleaders receive their uniforms?

Cheerleading uniforms will be issued in mid-August by your cheerleader's coach if there is no interruption in the supply chain.

Will there be other cheer expenses?

Yes, additional expenses include but not limited to; homecoming, pink out attire, competitions, etc.
*Your Coach or Team Parent might organize a team fundraiser to help with additional expenses, but these are not required if you'd like to pay out of pocket. 

How are the cheer squads formed?

Squads are formed by age. Cheerleaders may cheer up or down per the guidelines below & will be placed on teams in the exact order of the guidelines. The guidelines may also supersede age as deemed necessary by the Cheer Commissioner. 

1. Head or Assistant Coach's children or family
2. Football sibling(s) or family.  
3. Returning cheerleader (season immediately prior to the current registration season) to the same coach, provided space is available. 
4. Special requests for squad placement is based on availability & a first come, first serve basis. Special requests are not guaranteed.

*Returning cheerleaders have the option to move to another squad within the LWYA at registration only pending age requirements are met & the requested squad has availability. 

When will we know what squad we are on & how?

Squad formations will start once football registration closes the first week of July. Your cheerleader's Coach will welcome your cheerleader to the team & provide season information & dates via a call, text, or email to the contact on your registration form.

Is there a cheer camp?

Cheer Camp will be held for two weeks in July. 

When does practice start & what days/times?

Practices for regular season begin the first week of August. Practice days & times are at the Coach's discretion. Cheer Coaches try to accommodate a practice schedule that coincides with football practices for siblings, but there is no guarantee.

When does the season begin & end?

Regular season starts in August & ends in late October/early November. Post season starts in early November & ends in mid-December to include a local rec competition.

Where are practices & games held?

1. Practices are at approved LWYA facilities; typically Lake Worth Park or Ed Wilkie Middle School.
2. Games are at Lake Worth High School for HOME games & AWAY games will be to cities within the Northwest Texas Youth Football Association league. Visit their website here for a current list of cities.

Can I request a coach even if their squad is not in my cheerleader's age division?

Yes, you can request a Coach at registration or by sending an email to Cheer@LWYAsports.org immediately after you have registered. 
*Requests are not guaranteed, we will try our best to satisfy all requests if the age of your cheerleader is within reason of the squad you are asking to join & that squad is not full.  (see “How are cheer squads formed?” above)

Does it cost to get into the games?

Yes, the NWTYFA league has a $5 cash only Gate Fee for spectators. The Gate Fee does not apply to players, cheerleaders in uniform, and approved volunteer staff. 
*Spectators must remain in the stands & cannot enter the track or football field area.

What are the LWYA Code of Conduct Rules?

All coaches, players, parents and spectators are expected to behave in a sportsmanlike manner. Any violations of the rules of conduct may result in being removed from the game and/or park grounds up to and including dismissal. Anyone removed from any practices or games will be subject to discipline. You can download our full code of conduct rules & anti-bullying policy here.

**FOLLOW THE GOLDEN RULE - Always treat others (coaches, parents, officials, and players) the same way that you would want you and your child to be treated.

Do you have medical restrictions for cheerleaders?

No, but please disclose all medical issues to your child's coach so that our coaching staff can be prepared in an emergency situation. Please make sure your child has any emergency medication needed- i.e. inhalers, insulin, etc. Athlete safety is our time priority!

PARENT PARTICIPATION

The LWYA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit youth sports organization who rely on the generosity of our volunteers that give their time to the kids in our community. Volunteering your time can go a long way towards creating a successful season for our kids. If you would like to volunteer, please contact the Cheer Commissioner or your head coach.
*All coaches, assistant coaches, team parents, commissioners, officials, & board members are required to complete a criminal background check.