Oswego Bears Cheer Program

Overview

Our spirit program combines sideline cheer with competitive cheer. Athletes support Bears football on game days and compete at Pop Warner spirit events. We follow Pop Warner's scholastic and safety standards and partner with JAMZ and the Youth Cheer and Dance Alliance (YCADA) for coach education and skill progression.

Purpose of Cheer in Pop Warner

Pop Warner spirit teams have been on the football sidelines for decades; cheerleading was officially introduced in the 1970s. The program emphasizes fun, skill development, teamwork, and academic achievement in an organized, supervised, safety-oriented environment.

Competitive vs. Sideline

Sideline: Cheerleaders attend home and most away football games for about 8 weeks (Saturdays or Sundays). Competition: Teams have 2–3 competitions during the season plus potential nationals. Competition details are usually shared within the first two weeks of August. Competitions take precedence over sideline when schedules conflict.

Divisions & Skill Levels

Cheer teams follow Pop Warner age-based divisions. Check the current Cheer and Dance Age Matrix (Pop Warner/Mid-America) for exact division cutoffs. Pop Warner Spirit offers Novice, Intermediate, and Advanced levels. Coaches are trained through YCADA and JAMZ. All cheerleaders are placed on a team; placements consider age and skill level for a safe, developmentally appropriate environment.

Safety & Training

Pop Warner spirit rules are set with JAMZ and YCADA. Coaches complete online education on skill levels and safe progressions. We provide instruction, training, and conditioning for game day and competition. No stunts in Week 1—athletes build a safe foundation first. Coaches are certified in spotting, stunt progressions, and practice structure. When it gets cold, practice moves indoors.

Season Calendar

Practice: Prairie Point Park. Starts Monday, July 27. Mon–Fri 5:30–7:30 PM until school starts; then Tue/Wed/Thu 5:30–7:30 PM. Times may shorten as the season progresses.

Games: Sat or Sun for ~8 weeks. Game schedule usually out the third week of August.

Competitions: 2–4 per season (excluding nationals). Qualifying teams can advance to Pop Warner National Championship. Travel and lodging for away/regional/national events are the family's responsibility; fundraising may be available.

Uniforms & Equipment

Included in cheer registration: Competition uniform; sideline uniform; hair bows (sideline and competition); warm-ups (jacket and pants); practice location; insurance fees; league fees; competition entry fees.

Families provide: Cheer shoes; travel and hotel for away/regional/national competitions.

Uniform and gear fittings are announced by the program—arrive on time so sizes can be ordered correctly.