The first season of Netflix’s docuseries Cheer debuted in January 2020 and soon became a hit show, with the cheerleaders at Navarro Junior College in Corsicana, Texas, now worldwide stars.
After the recent second series premiere welcomed back coach Monica Aldama and her team of cheer-lebrities, everyone is back to talking about Cheer.
When joining university and peering around the freshers’ week events, many people consider trying out for the uni cheer team and wonder just what this may entail.
Whether or not you’ve been cheering your entire life prior to university or you’re simply a die-hard Cheer fan, here is all you need to know about how the show and the sport compare.
We explore just how much the TV series has in common with competitive university cheerleading in the UK in order for you to prepare yourself for the real deal.
Smash try-outs and make mat
Just like the cheerleaders try-out for Navarro College and attempt to prove that they’re good enough to make mat, you will also need to smash your try-outs.
Try-out sessions will likely include learning and performing a few cheer sequences and possibly a short dance as well as basic jumps, stunting or tumbling in front of your coaches, captain and committee.
Make sure you’re warmed up, stretched and ready to impress your team’s very own version of Monica Aldama.
Try your best, straighten your legs, point your toes and don’t forget to smile. Channel your inner La’Darius Marshall!
The commitment is real
The Cheer cast members were not lying; cheerleading sure does require a lot of commitment.
If you’re planning on joining a sports society at university, especially when it comes to cheerleading, prepare for the serious dedication.
Although the university experience typically focuses on studying while sustaining a great social life, you will also need to show real commitment to secure your spot on a sports team.
In terms of competitive cheerleading, training sessions might take up a lot of your time. Be prepared to organise your diary around cheer, just like the Netflix stars of Navarro College do.
Keep on top of your university deadlines, try not to constantly over-do the club nights out and make sure you’re staying as fit and healthy as possible.
Get close to the committee
Netflix’s Cheer stars constantly discuss their close relationship with coach Monica, in particular, but also the other staff members supporting the team.
This will probably be the same for any UK uni cheerleader and their committee.
You will be spending a lot of time with these people, so prepare to become best friends with your coaches, captains and committee members. The more comfortable you feel around your coach and committee will probably reflect your performance at cheer.
Prepare for intense training sessions
Aside from the fun and games, cheer really can be hard work but you will definitely reap the rewards.
Get ready for good days and bad days, fun sessions and serious sessions but, most importantly, tons of full-outs.
Although you probably won’t be required to hit a target of 51 full-outs like Navarro, you will certainly perform a great deal if you want to progress.
If you’re ever in doubt as to whether or not it is all worth it, just remember how good it feels to hit zero with your team and think again.
Give squad goals a new meaning
All of the cheerleading teams shown on the Netflix show have an extremely strong bond. Spending so much time with your squad will likely mean the same for any UK uni cheer team, too!
Just like the Navarro members, use mat talk to encourage and cheer on your team (pun intended).
Make friends for life in your teammates. Have fun, never drop a flyer and prepare for deadly stamina runs with each other.
Competitions will be nerve-racking
While you won’t be training for the NCA College Nationals located on Daytona Beach, your competitions will likely be just as daunting.
Channel your nerves into your cheer performance and you will be fine.
Simply stay calm and breathe through your routine, take every stunt step-by-step, concentrate on your tumbles and tighten-up your technique, perfect your pyramid section and wow the judges with your dazzling dance!
Exaggerate your motions, don’t forget to perform, smile until your jaw hurts and, finally, squeeze!
Socials are a huge bonus
Unlike the Netflix show’s type of cheer season, being part of UK uni cheer will most likely come with a lot of fun socials.
Your team’s social secretary will probably organise fun activities on a weekly or biweekly basis. From fancy-dress themed club nights to chill pizza and movie nights, drinks or dinner dates and much more, expect to have a fun-filled social life alongside the difficult training.
Just imagine partying with your cheer crew after a hard stunting session! Prepare to play a lot of games, get involved in wild challenges and potentially even go on tour with your team.
Consider the cost
Most of the people who featured in both seasons of Cheer truthfully achnowledged how expensive the sport can be.
Yes, cheerleading can be one of the more expensive school sports. But it is definitely the most rewarding activity young people can get involved in.
Depending on your university’s team sponsorship benefits, you may also need to prepare for a hefty price tag to pay along with the sporting fun.
Here are some things you may need to consider in terms of competitive cheerleading costs.
You might need to pay for a membership to join the team. This will likely cover your training fees and gym access.
Suitable footwear is a must. If you’re not already a cheerleader prior to joining the squad, you may need to fork out for a pair of cheer shoes. Instead of buying them brand new, cheaper alternatives can be found in second-hand shops and on websites such as Depop, Vinted, eBay and more.
Be prepared to buy a brand new cheer uniform. Although you may be able to purchase second-hand uniform from previous alumni members, there is a possibility that you may need to buy it brand new. Uniform prices may vary but a standard outfit can cost £100 or more.
Don’t forget about merch! You might also want to treat yourself and buy some clothing items that represent your uni’s cheer team, if not already provided.
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