Future Bulldog Cheer
Mini Team: Grades K-3 Junior Team: Grades 4-8
Future Bulldog Cheer is a recreational cheer program through the Mid-Willamette YMCA, in collaboration with West Albany Cheerleading. The program is designed to give local children the opportunity to learn the sport of performance cheerleading.
Registration coming Spring 2025!
What teams are available?
Teams will be formed based on the number of athletes who register in various age groups. We hope to have, at minimum, a Mini Bulldogs Performance Team (Grade K-3), a Junior Bulldogs Performance Team (Grade 4-8), and a Junior Bulldogs Competition Team (Grade 4-8).
All athletes who register will be placed on a team. Over the first four practices, the athlete's skills and work ethic will be evaluated to determine if they should be invited to be on a competitive team. Members of the competitive team should be prepared to push harder at practices (conditioning), practice routine material at home, and commit missing minimal practices.
What is the time commitment?
This is a 7 month commitment (August-February) consisting of two practices per week, two halftime performances, and one Saturday Showcase performance. The Saturday Showcase will be in January. Additionally, the competitive teams will attend 4 cheer competitions in January and February. These competitions will be within 90 minutes of Albany and are typically on Saturdays.
Athletes will attend Cheer Day Camp at West Albany Sept. 13 and 14, 2025 from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm (Grades K-2 from 10:00 am to noon). This camp will teach the basics of cheerleading and is taught by West Albany Varsity Cheerleaders and coaches.
Practices (2 per week) will start the week of August 18. Practices will be on a weeknight evening at the YMCA. Days and times will be determined and communicated as soon as possible. Performance team practices will be 1.5 hours, competitive team practices will be 2 hours.
How much will it cost?
Cost will be around $800.00. An initial payment of $300.00 is due upon registration, and remaining cost will be billed monthly from September to January. Registration payment includes cheer camp and uniform package (top, skirt, undershorts, t-shirt, sweatshirt, poms, backpack and bow). Athletes who are placed on the competition teams will be billed an additional $100 competition fee.
We understand that this is a significant investment for families. We have worked to reduce the cost as much as possible, while providing a quality experience. The cost to participate in Future Bulldog Cheer is significantly less than joining a team through a cheer gym.
There will be no other costs throughout the 7 month season. No surprise expenses!
Will we have to travel?
No. Practices will be held at the YMCA. The Showcase and halftime performances will be at West Albany. The competition teams will compete at events within a 90 minute drive from Albany.
Is cheer experience or any skills required?
No! Beginners are welcome.
What can my child do to prepare for the cheer season?
We recommend that all cheerleaders enroll in a tumbling class during the "off season". Athletes who are serious about cheerleading would benefit from a year round tumbling class. Local options are United Tumbling and Cheer, Peak Elite Gymnastics Academy, Champion Cheer Athletics, Legacy Ballet, and Haven's Urban Movement (classes are called acrobatics).
There is a wide variety of YouTube videos that can help with cheer technique, strengh, and flexibility. Check out some recommended videos HERE.