Young Cheerleaders

Is there an age that is too early for girls to become young cheerleaders? Considering that it combines the fun of dressing up, playing in groups and developing gross motor skills, probably not.

Even without a uniform, a child can learn to do many of the poses and cheers that they see the squads do.

Of course, once the uniform is put on, a cheerleader really feels that sense of team spirit that comes with being part of a cheerleading squad

Early on, a sense of focus and determination when leading cheers will serve beginning cheerleaders well.

Shoes are the final element in a cheerleader's basic uniform, and they need to be tough and sure-footed to handle all the running, jumping and stunts.

With all her equipment in place, the cheerleader is ready to go out and urge her team to victory.

Working with coaches and team-mates, cheerleaders learn many chants and moves early on to help get the crowd excited.

Floor cheers, hello cheers and sideline chants are all parts of a cheerleader's repertoire from the very beginning.

Often, a young cheerleader can draw on skills from other activities such as dance or gymnastics for moves on the floor. More advanced stunts like "flying" usually aren't added to the mix until at least high school.

Under the guidance of her coach, who is usually a cheerleader too, a young cheerleader builds a foundation of skills that can take her through college and beyond.

Best of all, the friendships that form between members of a young cheer squad can last a lifetime. Whether in practice, at cheer camp or during an exciting game, the experience forms bonds of teamwork, discipline and most important of all - fun.