As long as you’re a cheerleader you’re doing something right! But for many cheerleaders it’s tough to swing being a school cheerleader AND a competitive all star cheerleader during the same season. It is definitely possible but it usually only works if the school sponsor and the all star coach are both willing to compromise and the athlete is extremely organized as well as a good communicator. If you find yourself or your cheerleader having to make the choice here are some points to consider. Keep in mind that these points aren’t true for every program but more of a generalization:

The PROS of School Cheerleading:

• Being involved in school activities is good for making friends and being a part of your community.
• It looks good on your transcript if you were a cheerleader at your school.
• You learn what it’s like to cheer on others.
• You’ll become good at organizing events like pep rallies.
• You’ll learn to enjoy watching sports.
• You’ll become a good artist with all the posters you’re required to make.

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• You’ll be well known at your school.
• You’ll possibly get to travel with the teams when they go to out of town games.
• Three words - Friday Night Lights.

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• It’s good preparation for college cheerleading.
• It’s usually not too expensive.
• Usually your school squad will go away for summer cheer camp which is super fun!

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The PROS of All Star Cheerleading:

• You’ll be coached by experts in cheerleading who are dedicated to the sport.
• You will be surrounded by other cheerleaders who are competitive and want to progress.
• You’ll get to travel to out of town to competitions.
• Your skills will constantly increase with consistent training and practices.
• It’s good preparation for college cheerleading.
• You’ll be physically fit from all the practices.
• You’ll make friends from other schools.
• Competitions are exciting and build confidence in you as an athlete.
• You’ll learn how to handle the pressures of competition.
• You’ll be good at time management from so many practices.
• You’ll make connections with all the people you meet in competitive cheer.
• You will train year round.
• You can start cheering basically when you know how to walk!

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