REGISTRATION

How much is registration?

The fee is $260 for NEW cheerleaders (returning participants from the 2024 season are $200).

Do you offer a discount if I am registering multiple children?

We do offer multiple participant discounts. Multiple participant discounts will be automatically calculated at checkout.

Do you offer financial aid?

SAYC believes that every child should be able to engage in the sport of cheerleading.  If seeking financial aid please complete registration, mark your request as indicated on the registration screen, then contact us about steps to apply for support.

Can I register online, but pay by check or cash?

Yes, you may pay via check. All checks can be made out to Sycamore Aves Youth Cheerleading and mailed to Sycamore Youth Cheerleading 9891 Montgomery Rd #175 Cincinnati, OH 45242. Please note that full payment must be received before we issue your child a uniform.

When will registration close?

Squads will close when they have reached the max capacity set by coaches and the organization; 25 cheerleaders. Otherwise, registration will have a FIRM closing date of April 1st in order to ensure there is enough time to get every cheerleader the necessary equipment for the season.

What does my registration fee cover?

All NEW participants will receive a practice shirt, personalized backpack, game-day bow, and fleece jacket to keep (returning participants will receive a new shirt and game day bow, they will use their bags/jackets from the prior year*). At the end each season the organization will sponsor squad celebrations and award trophies to each participant. The fee also covers full uniform (shell/skirt) and pom pom rental.

In addition, there are administrative and operation fees, facility rental fees, costs to insure all participants and coaches, and other game-day expenses incurred by the organization.

*If your child has outgrown their jacket, or lost backpack/jacket from 2023, you may purchase these items separately.

Are there any additional fees after registration?

There will be optional opportunities to purchase additional SAYC spirit wear throughout the season as well as a few fundraisers. We thank you for your support!

Cheerleaders may also opt to participate in competition cheer. This is an additional fee. More information on competition cheer will be shared should your coach choose to pursue competition this season.

Camp is an additional fee as well. K/1 and 2nd graders will pay $81 for a two-day 6 hour/day camp, and 3rd through 6th graders will pay $114 for a three-day 6 hour/day camp.

GENERAL

Who do we cheer for?

SAYC cheerleaders cheer for the Sycamore Aves Youth Football teams during their fall football season.

When does the football season start?

The regular season football games that we cheer for begin in August and will run through the end of October. There is a chance of a few play-off games that will occur at the end of October early November. However, cheer practices will start at the discretion of your coach in June or July.

Is SAYC sanctioned by Sycamore Community Schools?

No. SAYC is its own entity. We are a non-profit & 100% volunteer organization, relying solely on the dedication and support of the families & businesses that support & sponsor our program.

How does SAYC select coaches?

Our team of volunteer coaches are hand-picked for their cheer experience and are trained in safety as well as how to effectively train and develop young athletes. You will hear from your coaches by the end of May. If you are interested in coaching, please contact Emily Pope at director@sycamoreyouthcheer.org.

How often are practices?

Squads typically practice evenings 1-2 days/week in the summer and may go down to once a week once school begins. Expect practices to be between 1-2 hours. Practice schedules, times and locations are planned and communicated by coaches.

Is there an attendance policy?

Attendance at all games and practices is mandatory. Cheerleading is a team sport, if your child misses practice or a game it will impact the rest of the team. We understand that illnesses and unexpected emergencies occur. If your child must miss a practice or game, please make sure to let your coach know in advance.

How many games are in a season?

There are typically 8-10 regular season games and a few play-off games after the regular season. Games will take place on Saturdays or Sundays August-October.

Where are games played?

SAYC participants will cheer for both home and away football games. Locations for our local league opponents can be found on our Field Locations page. Home game locations for the 2024 season will be at Sycamore High School either on their lacrosse fields or football stadium.

In what community events does SAYC participate?

SAYC participants will have an opportunity to participate in the City of Montgomery Independence Day Parade.

Is there a cheer camp?

Yes, there will be a cheer camp for our registered cheerleaders only. Camp gives our cheerleaders a chance to bond with their squad and work on cheer fundamentals.

In 2024 we’re partnering with the Universal Cheerleading Association. This is the same association Sycamore Junior High and Sycamore High School enlists for their cheer camps! UCA has been the leader in cheer camps and competitions for over 50 years. UCA trains over 180,000 cheerleaders every summer with over 3,200 sessions each summer, and we get to host them for our very own home camp! It is an additional fee as our cheerleaders will be taught by UCA instructors.

UCA sends in their highly trained cheerleading instructors. The curriculum of camp is focused on mastering cheer fundamentals while having fun.

Our camp is a full day camp, 9am-3pm (see times and dates for each grade below). Instead of coming away with a few chants and sideline dance like prior years, cheerleaders will learn all about using cheer props (signs & megaphones), motion technique, jumps, dancing, putting together game day routines and we will start STUNTING!

Camp days and fees for each grade, SAVE THE DATES NOW!

K/1 and 2nd Grade Squads (This is their grade fall 2024) will attend on June 24th and 25th from 9am-3pm. $81

3rd through 6th grade (This is their grade fall 2024) will attend on June 26, 27, and 28 from 9am to 3pm. $114

There is a separate registration link for camp, we will be sending those after registration. We realize some may have out of town plans, or are registered for another camp, however, this is a priority for our registered cheerleaders.

Is there a competition team?

Yes, many of our squads will go to local and/or national competitions. Competition participation is optional and details will be forthcoming. It is at the discretion of each coach if their squad will participate in competitions.

Can my child join the competition team only?

No, it is required to participate on our sideline teams if you want to join a competition squad.

How can I volunteer this season?

Our home games are our biggest fundraiser. We rely on volunteers to help with set up, concessions, entrance gate, chains, tear down, and more. A sign-up will be sent once the football schedule is finalized. It is expected that each family completes 2 volunteer opportunities per season.

Who do I contact if I have additional questions?

If you have any additional questions you may contact our Director, Emily Pope, at director@sycamoreyouthcheer.org.