All-Star Cheerleading
Explore each program below to find the perfect fit for your athlete.
Their First Taste of Competition.
Novice Cheer
Children 5–12 years oldBeginner–Intermediate1 practice/week
Novice Cheer gives athletes the opportunity to experience their first cheer competition while continuing to build foundational skills. Athletes work together on jumps, stunts, tumbling and choreography, learning how each part comes together in a routine. With one practice day a week, Novice introduces the excitement and responsibility of competitive cheer before families take on a fuller competition schedule.
This is a step beyond a beginner recreational class. A session of Performance Rec or previous cheer, dance or gymnastics experience helps athletes prepare for the routine work. If your child is brand new to these skills, we’ll help you find the right place to start.
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Novice Cheer is perfect for athletes who…
“My child wants to try competing.”
If your child loves performing for family and friends and is asking what comes next, Novice gives them a chance to find out. They’ll prepare a routine with their teammates and perform for judges and an audience. Teams are rated rather than ranked against one another, giving athletes room to focus on what they’ve learned and enjoy their first competition experience.
Ready to watch your child shine?
Give them something to work towards and teammates to share it with.
Register for Novice Cheer (opens in a new tab)The CheerCore Pathway
Science-Backed Progression That Grows With Your Child.
No two athletes follow the same path. That’s why every CheerCore program is designed to grow with your child, supporting their unique development, interests, and goals. Every athlete is challenged. Every athlete belongs.
Your Questions, Answered
How many competitions are there?
Novice includes one real competition experience each session.
Is there a tryout?
Nope, there is no tryout required to participate on a Novice cheer team.
What experience is recommended?
We recommend completing FUNdamentals or Performance Rec, or that your athlete has previous cheer, dance or gymnastics experience so they have a foundation to build on. They should be developing skills such as cartwheels, handstands and rolls, and be ready to learn choreography with a group. If those skills are new, recreational cheer may be the better starting point.
How often does Novice practice?
Novice teams practice once a week. Because athletes rely on one another to work on stunts, formations and choreography, consistent attendance is important.
Will my child’s team be ranked at competition?
Novice teams are rated rather than ranked against one another. Judges evaluate each team’s performance and award a rating of Outstanding, Excellent or Superior, allowing athletes to experience competition without the pressure of placements.
How long is the Novice season?
Novice is offered in two competitive sessions: September to December and January to April. Each session ends with a competition experience.
What happens after Novice?
Athletes may return to Novice to continue building their skills or move into Prep when they’re ready for more training and competition. Coaches can help families understand which program best matches their athlete’s skills, confidence and readiness.
Ready for their first competition?
Explore the next Novice session and find out whether your athlete is ready for this step.
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