Pinelands AYF

Program Overview

Our AYF Competitive Cheer Program is designed for athletes who are interested in learning and performing competition-style cheerleading in a structured, team-oriented environment. Following American Youth Football (AYF) guidelines, this program focuses on skill development, performance quality, teamwork, and confidence while preparing athletes for local and regional competitions. Competitive Cheer offers a higher level of commitment than sideline cheer and is ideal for participants who enjoy learning routines, practicing regularly, and performing in front of judges and audiences.

IMPORTANT DATES

( these dates are subject to change)

Routine Review -Oct 3rd & 4th , Location Jackson Fields

Jersey Shore- Oct 17th, Trenton Cure Arena

Big East- November 15th, Trenton Cure Arena

****Competition Cheer has additional costs that will not be covered by the organization. However, athletes may raise funds as a team and or individually to cover the costs associated with competing! These fundraising opportunities will be provided by the organization & its coaches. Please be sure to read the Estimated Competition Cost breakdown below****

Age Divisions

The AYF Competitive Cheer Program is organized by age in accordance with AYF rules and competition standards.

Typical divisions may include:

6U Competitive Cheer – Introduction to performance routines and cheer fundamentals
8U Competitive Cheer – Continued development of motions, formations, and basic skills
10U Competitive Cheer – Intermediate routines with increased precision and teamwork
12U Competitive Cheer – Advanced routines emphasizing performance quality and leadership

Final divisions are determined by AYF guidelines, registration numbers, and competition requirements.

Program Focus & Skill Development

Competitive Cheer places an emphasis on performance and skill progression. Athletes will work on:

Cheer motions, timing, and sharpness
Chants, cheers, and dance elements
Age-appropriate jumps and formations
Routine memorization and performance confidence

All skills, routines, and progressions follow AYF safety standards and age-appropriate restrictions.

Coaching & Training

Teams are led by trained volunteer or appointed cheer coaches who are experienced in competitive cheer instruction.

All coaches are required to:

Complete background checks
Follow AYF Competitive Cheer rules and safety standards
Plan practices that emphasize skill progression and athlete safety

Coaches focus on positive instruction, teamwork, and helping each athlete reach their potential.

Practice & Competition Schedule

Practices: Typically held 2–3 times per week
Competitions: Scheduled throughout the season and may include weekends and travel

Practice schedules and competition calendars will be shared once teams are finalized. Attendance at practices and competitions is an important part of participation in Competitive Cheer.

Uniforms & Equipment

Provided by the Program:

Competition cheer uniform
(1) Competition Bow

Required from Families:

Cheer shoes
Themed Hair bow and performance accessories
Specific makeup may be suggested
Practice attire

Additional competition-related items may be required depending on event standards.

Estimated Competition Costs

Please keep in mind these are estimates and prices may vary or change.

Divided equally among the each Team:

Competition Registration Fees Per Team registering for each competition listed below.
Competition Music ( 1 time charge, Edits to music will cost extra)
Choreography Fees (this will likely be charged by appearance & the cost will be divided by the team)

Jersey Shore:

Location Cure Arena Trenton NJ
Parking Fee ($8 to $15 to park. Parking is cash only per car per day)
Personal Food And Beverage cost (Ex: Lg Btle of water $8)
Cheer Competition Tickets*(PER DAY)- Adults $35, Children $20
Midcoast Photos- Action photos of cheer team $10 per athlete the whole team must opt in or out

Big East: (Must be Registered National Track to compete in this competition)

Location Cure Arena Trenton NJ
Parking Fee ($8 to $15 to park. Parking is cash only per car per day)
Venue Food And Beverage cost (Lg Btle of water $8)
Cheer Competition Tickets*(PER DAY)- Adults $35, Children $20
Midcoast Photos- Action photos of cheer team $10 per athlete the whole team must opt in or out

Nationals : (Must be Registered National Track to compete in this competition)

Note all prices are estimates and may vary or chage

In Kissimmee FL
Flights (Depends on when booked etc.)-$350 Per person(+ OR-)
Logging- $109 to $289 a night
Car rental-$350 (+ OR-)
Venue Food And Beverage costs
Universal Night
You MUST purchase a PARTY specific ticket to attend this event. All AYC rostered participants must purchase a ticket for this Night Out Party, (Inspiration, 6U and 8u divisions are not required to purchase tickets.)
Party Ticket(ages 3+): Wednesday, December 3rd 2025 from 7:30pm-11:30pm
$107.50 (inclusive of fees) per ticket, which includes a $25 food voucher*.
Cheer Competition Tickets*(PER DAY)- Adults $35, Children $20 (15 yr and under), Free (6 and Under)
Mat Time Rental- NA
Photos-$Not Available (Action photos of cheer team per athlete the whole team must opt in or out)

Safety Guidelines

Athlete safety is a top priority in Competitive Cheer.

All routines follow AYF skill restrictions
No stunting or tumbling beyond age-allowed levels
Emphasis on proper warm-ups, conditioning, and stretching

Coaches ensure that all skills are introduced progressively and performed safely.

Registration Information

Registration includes AYF fees, insurance, coaching, practice facilities, and administrative costs. Competition entry fees, travel, or additional uniform components may be separate.

Early registration is encouraged to assist with team placement
Late registration may be accepted based on availability
Payment plans or financial assistance may be available

Specific fees, deadlines, and competition details will be posted on the registration page.

Code of Conduct

All athletes, coaches, and spectators are expected to represent the program with sportsmanship and respect at all times. Unsportsmanlike conduct or disruptive behavior may result in disciplinary action.

Our goal is to create a positive, supportive environment that promotes teamwork, dedication, and pride.

Contact Information

For questions about the Pinelands Jr Wildcats AYC Competitive Cheer Program, registration, or expectations, please contact visit our Contact Us page. We look forward to an exciting and successful competition season!

SHOUT OUT

What an unforgettable season for our D12 cheer team! Your hard work, dedication, and unstoppable spirit took you all the way from placing 1st for Level One at the JERSEY SHORE, to dominating at BIG EAST Placing 1st for Level One , and ultimately earning your spot to compete on the National Competition where you HIT ZERO!

Each practice, every stunt, every routine run you showed heart, teamwork, and true determination. The growth, resilience, and sportsmanship you displayed throughout the season made everyone proud. Competing at Nationals is no small achievement, and you proved you belong among the best!

Keep shining, keep pushing, and keep believing in yourselves. The journey you’ve taken is inspiring, and this is only the beginning of even greater things ahead!