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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.
Available Teams:
This year we are offering two different options, Performance Cheer and Competition Cheer.
Performance Cheer- Available for Grades 1-6: Season runs August 20, 2025 through late January 2026. This team will have one 90 minute practice per week, two halftime performances (football and basketball), and one end of season Showcase performance. These teams will not compete. This is a great opportunity to try cheerleading with a low time commitment. Athletes will attend a one day Cheer Day Camp at West Albany (Sept. 13, 2025). Practices will be Wednesdays from 4:30-6:00 pm at the YMCA.
Competition Cheer- Available for Grades 3-6: Season runs August 18, 2025 through late February 2026. This team will have two, two-hour, practices per week, compete at 5-6 competitions within Oregon, perform at two halftime performances (football and basketball) and perform at the one end of season Showcase. This is an opportunity for athletes who are serious about cheer to push to higher levels, both mentally and physically. Attendance at practices is incredibly important in competitive cheer, and families need to commit to facilitating a high level of attendance. In addition to practices, athletes are highly encouraged to enroll in a tumbling class (1-2x per week) at a local gym. The competition team will attend a two day Cheer Day Camp at West Albany (Sept. 13-14, 2025). Practices will be Mondays and Wednesdays from 4:30-6:30 at the YMCA. Starting in November it is possible that we drop our Monday practice and start a Sunday practice at West Albany so we have access to a full floor of cheer mats.
FAQs:
Is there a tryout?
Performance Cheer: No. All are welcome!
Competition Cheer: There will not be a "tryout". Instead, athletes who sign up for the Competition Team will be evaluated over the first 2-3 weeks of practice. Coaches will consider not just cheer skills, but work ethic, attitude, and physical ability. Previous cheer or gymnastics experience is ideal, however, beginners ARE welcome on the performance team! Beginners can have a successful season if they are coachable and up to athletic challenge (things like sprints, burpees, and plyometrics will be part of every practice). After evaluations, if coaches feel an athlete isn't a good fit for the Competition Team, that family has two options: Finish the season on a Performance Cheer team, or receive a refund. If you are on unsure if your child is a good fit for the Performance Team we encourage you to sign up and give it a try!
How much will it cost?
Performance Cheer: Cost for will be $700.00. 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, body liner, t-shirt, sweatshirt, pom poms, and bow).
Competition Cheer: cost will be $1200.00. An initial payment of $300.00 is due upon registration, and remaining cost will be billed monthly from September to January. Registration payment includes competition fees, cheer camp, and uniform package (competition long sleeve uniform with rhinestones, t-shirt, sweatshirt, pom poms, and bow).
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.
Will we have to travel?
Performance Cheer- No travel.
Competition Cheer- All competitions will be within 2 hours of Albany.
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, strength, and flexibility. Check out some recommended videos HERE.
What will the uniforms be like?
Performance Cheer uniforms will be the same as last season, with the addition of a navy long sleeve body liner that will be worn under the shell. Parents are responsible for purchasing white cheer shoes (Amazon has lots of offerings). NOTE- If the athlete is using last year's uniform we can reduce the bill by $80.00. T-shirt and sweatshirt designs will be new this year.
Competition Cheer uniforms will the design below. Parents are responsible for purchasing white cheer shoes (Amazon has lots of offerings).
If you have questions please reach out via email: Morgan.Wadlow@albany.k12.or.us
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