CHEER FAQs

What is the age/grade for cheer participants? 

Kindergarten through 6th grade.  Participant eligibility will be determined by grade as of September 1st of the football season calendar year.

When does Cheer Registration open & close? 

Registration opens March 1st and closes April 1st.  Due to the high interest in our cheer program, I would recommend registering promptly to avoid being put on a wait list.   

**No registrants will be accepted after April 1st and/or once EYSA cheer max number has been met, whichever comes first. There are absolutely NO EXCEPTIONS due to the amount of time the uniform manufacturers take to make the uniforms. 

What is the cheer registration fee used for? 

The registration fee pays for a participant’s uniform:  Shell, skirt, briefs, bow, poms, and cheer camp.  Also, it helps cover season expenses such as facility fees to use fields for games, supplemental insurance, referees, equipment, special events for our association, etc.   

When will participants receive their uniforms? 

Uniforms will be issued in mid-August by your cheerleader’s coach.

Will there be other cheer expenses?

Yes, required Megaphone; and if you choose to purchase “optional” items from Varsity; including:  cheer backpack, jacket, pullover, body liner, rain coat, etc.  (see Varsity Optional Item listing)

Additional expenses include but not limited to; white cheer shoes, socks, megaphone decals, pink-out items, custom team items, Homecoming, etc.  

Your Coach/Team Parent might organize a team fundraiser to help with additional expenses, but not required.  These items are decided upon as a team after the season begins. 

** Optional items are NOT required and at the parent’s discretion & expense.

Is the uniform fitting mandatory? And when?

YES, uniform fittings are mandatory for all cheerleaders and there are no make-up dates.  Cheer fittings take place in late-April or early-May.

How are cheer teams formed? 

Typically, by grade/age. Participants may cheer up or down per the guidelines below and will be placed on teams in the exact order of the guidelines.  The guidelines may also supersede grade/age as deemed necessary by the Cheer Director. 

1. Head and/or Asst. Coach children/family (Cheer & Football).
2. Football sibling(s) and/or family.
3. Returning participant (season immediately previous) to the same coach, providing space is available.
• Returning participants have the option to move to another team within the League at registration only, provided the age/grade requirements are met & requested team has availability.
4. Special Requests for team placement.  Based on "team availability" and on a "first-come, first-served" basis only.  Special requests are not guaranteed.
• Special request participants should provide a first and second choice for team placement.  Team selections must have open availability.  

When will we know what team we are on, and how?

Team formations will start once football registration closes on June 1st.  After which time, cheer teams will be finalized.  Your cheerleader’s Coach will welcome your cheerleader to the team and provide pertinent information/dates via call/text/email.

When does Practice start for Cheer, and what days?

Practices begin the first week of August; twice a week; Monday through Friday. Practice days/times are at the coach’s discretion.  Cheer coaches try and accommodate a practice schedule that runs concurrent with football practices for siblings, but there is no guarantee.

Where are practices and games held?

1. Practices: Are at approved EYSA and NISD facilities only; typically, Eaton High School.
2. Games:  Are at Eaton High School for HOME games; and since we are a traveling league, AWAY games will take us to towns within the “MYFA Football Association” (MYFA).  Visit the website below for a current list of towns.

When does the season begin and end?

The first game is normally the last Saturday of August, with at least 8 regular season games through October, and then post-season with playoffs and potentially leading up to the Superbowl through mid-November.

When will I receive a game schedule?

Game schedules will be finalized & released in LATE AUGUST.  Game schedules and locations are subject to change; coaches will communicate changes accordingly.

Is there a summer cheer camp?

Yes, hosted by the Eaton High School Cheerleaders & Cheer Booster in early-August. Detailed information will be provided by your coach accordingly.  No additional Cost will be charged.

Can I request a coach even if their team is not in my participant’s age division?

Yes, you can request a Coach at registration and/or by sending an email to EYSAcheer@eatonyouthsports.com immediately after you have registered. Though requests are not guaranteed, we will try our best to fulfill requests if the team is not already full, and the age is within reason of the team you are asking to join.  (see “How are cheer teams formed?” above)

What will my participant be doing and gain from this organization?

Not only will your participant learn the basics of cheerleading, stunting, jumps, a choreographed dance for half-time, tumbling with previous experience & competition, they will make lifelong friends! Our focus is helping cheerleaders build sportsmanship, self-confidence, and character. EYSA coaches strive to promote teamwork and responsibility while ensuring your cheerleader is having has lots of FUN too!

What other events can my cheerleader look forward to during the season?

 A typical season is comprised of, but not limited to or guaranteed: Cheer Camp, Homecoming Parade with EHS, CheerFest, and other fun events organized and planned by your cheerleader’s coach.

How do I become a Cheer Head Coach or Assistant Coach?

By submitting an application each new season.  Click the button below to take you to the application page.

Once football registration closes in June and we know how many coaches are needed, we will schedule cheer head coach interviews.  

NOTE: You must provide two grade levels; and grade level placement will depend on:

1. How many football teams per grade level is determined.
2. After returning cheer head coach (season immediately previous) requests have been honored. *

*Returning Cheer Head Coaches: A returning head coach is not guaranteed to move up with the same Football team from the previous season, unless both cheer & football coaches are family.  The Cheer Director will determine the placement of Coaches (and their returning teams) based on league registration and need.  Returning head coaches must provide two grade level requests each new season.  A returning Head Coach is defined as the season immediately previous; all other previous seasons head coaches will follow the new head coach interview process. 

We thank each and every one of you for choosing us to be the sports program for your child.  We are well aware there are many other organizations you could choose from.  We are honored for you to have chosen EYSA.  If you have any questions or concerns please reach out at any time and we would be happy to assist in any way possible.  

Eaton Youth Sports Association