What to expect from becoming a Saratoga Pop Warner Cheerleader
Saratoga Pop Warner provides the opportunity for children ages 3-15 to participate in our cheerleading program. Our cheerleaders learn lifelong skills such as commitment, teamwork, dedication, and responsibility all while learning the sport of cheerleading.
Cheerleading Teams and Ages:
NEW this year: Sideline Cheer-Sideline cheer is a great way for new cheerleaders to learn the fundamentals of cheer or for cheerleaders who cannot commit to the competition cheer schedule. At practice, girls will learn cheer motions, sideline cheers, tumbling, jumps and learn a small halftime routine. Practice will be once a week and the team will cheer at football games for their corresponding team either Saturday or Sundays. Practice and game schedules are TBD and will be posted once finalized. Additionally, the team will attend a cheer competition as spectators to watch the competition teams and see what competitions are like.
Competition Cheer-The Competition Cheer season will run through March 1, 2024. Cheerleaders are required to attend practice 4 days a week through Labor Day and then 3 practices a week from September-March, cheer at football games on either Saturday or Sunday from mid-September through mid-October and compete at qualifying competitions and winter competitions.
Depending on demand, the following teams may be available for sideline and competition cheer. On teams that have an age range, it is highly encouraged to go to the younger team unless the child has previous experience.
Tiny Mite: Ages 5-7, must be 5 by July 31, 2023
Mighty Mite: Ages 7-9, must be 7 by July 31, 2023
Junior Pee Wee: Ages 9-11, must be 9 by July 31, 2023
Pee Wee: Ages 9-12, must be 9 by July 31, 2023
Junior Varsity: Ages 10-13, must be 10 by July 31, 2023
Dates and Times:
Location:
Competition Schedule for Competition Teams only: It is required that cheerleaders attend all competitions
Capital District, Schenectady-October TBD
Empires, Clifton Park-October TBD
Eastern Regionals, Trenton, NJ- (if qualify at Capital District)-TBD
Nationals, Orlando, Fl- (if qualify at Eastern Regionals)-early December
Winter Competitions (3-5 additional competitions)-locations and dates TBD
What to Wear:
Practice: Athletic clothing as appropriate
Games: To be determined by team’s coach
Competitions: Uniform, Bow, Cheer sneakers and anything else requested by team’s coach
Uniforms: Each child will be measured within the first two weeks of August and payment will be due at that time. All cheerleaders must attend!
Approximate Cheer Costs:
These are all estimated costs, which are subject to change with the best interest and safety of the children, parents, and the Saratoga Pop Warner organization in mind.
Sideline Cheer and Junior Tiny Mites:
Competition Cheer:
Registration: $200
Bow Package: $30 (includes game bow, pink October game bow and competition bow
White Sneakers: $30-$75 (to be worn at games and practices indoors only)
Uniform: $150 approx. Final Cost TBD
Cheer Competition Costs for Competition Teams only:
Capital District: No additional costs for cheerleaders, spectator tickets range from $20-$40, optional tee shirts for purchase at event: $20
Empires: No additional costs for cheerleaders, spectator tickets range from $20-$40, optional tee shirts for purchase at event: $20
Eastern Regional, if qualify personal travel accommodations (it is recommended all cheerleaders travel with their families the night before the competition and stay at the hotel blocked by their coaches, spectator tickets $20-$40, pictures on average $10-$20 per cheerleader, optional tee shirts for purchase at event $20
Nationals, if qualify: Pop Warner’s RERQUIRED travel package (includes hotel stay, spectator tickets, transportation from hotel to competition and two tickets to Universal Studios/Islands of Adventure) ~$1,000/person, flights/travel costs, pictures on average $10-$20 per cheerleader, optional tee shirts for purchase at event $20
Winter Competitions-travel and spectator costs TBD
Additional Required Deposit Checks: checks will not be cashed unless a task is not completed
$50 check – Pom Pom deposit-to ensure pom poms are returned in the same condition received
$50 check – Concession check-an adult from each family is required to work a shift in the concession stand.
Two, $100 checks -Fundraising-there are two required, $100 fundraisers for the Saratoga Pop Warner Program
Competition Team Additional Fundraising Options:
There will be additional fundraising options for the competition team to assist with uniform and competition costs. SSPW’ board will lead fundraising options, but it will be the option of each family to participate and in return receive funds from the fundraisers.
Questions, comments, or concerns please contact your Cheer Coordinator:
Amber Gailor 518-951-5674 or [email protected]