North Reading Youth Cheer
North Reading Youth Cheer is dedicated to creating a safe, fun, and supportive environment that encourages athleticism, sportsmanship, teamwork, and physical fitness through healthy competition. Our goal is to inspire pride, respect, and a strong sense of community among our athletes, coaches, parents, and volunteers.
Our programs are open to boys and girls in Grades K–8, offering various levels of instruction and competition based on age and skill. We welcome all children, regardless of experience or ability, and invite them to become part of our growing cheer family.
Exciting Changes for the 2025 Season
We are excited to announce that this year North Reading Youth Cheer will be joining the AYC (American Youth Cheer) organization in the New England Commonwealth League. This is an exciting opportunity for our teams to take the competitive side of cheer to a new level and possibly represent the North Reading Hornets on a national level. We are committed to making it a rewarding experience for all involved.
Website: New England Commonwealth League
REGISTRATION:
Registration opens on May 1st and closes on May 31st, 2025.
Registration is online - https://www.nryhornets.com/
Registration fee is $325 for 6u.
All other divisions $375
REFUND POLICY:
A FULL REFUND will be granted if the request is received prior to July 1st.
A PARTIAL REFUND (50%) will be granted if the request is received prior to August 4th.
NO REFUNDS will be given after August 4th of the current season. To receive a refund, please email Diana Buonopane at nrcheerdirector.com
GAME INFORMATION:
In addition to competitions, all teams will cheer on the sidelines for weekly North Reading Youth football games, supporting the players and performing at halftime.
The football schedule is not available until Labor Day Weekend
Games start the weekend after Labor Day.
Games are once per week on either Saturday or Sunday.
All assigned games are mandatory.
Playoff games are TBA
UNIFORMS:
A uniform will be issued during a fitting in June and returned at the end of the season.
A uniform contract will need to be signed
Damaged uniforms need to be replaced.
2 bows will be included with your registration fee
A school spirit wear shirt will be included with your registration fee
WHAT ITEMS WILL NEED TO BE PURCHASED:
Cheer sneakers
Boy Shorts (for under skirts)
Pom-poms (this is a one-time purchase)
Warm up suit
Sweatshirts, tshirts and other items will be optional
PRACTICE INFORMATION:
Practices begin early August.
Practice schedule will be sent via email by the end of June.
Practices are all mandatory.
Practices are held at Ipswich River Park in the summer and in the fall at Aldersgate at 235 Park Street North Reading as well as North Reading High School 189 Park Street North Reading
The Thursday/Friday before competition needs to be reserved for a run through. (coaches discretion)
Extra practices could be held as competitions approach during October/November.
Practice Frequency
6u 2 days per week ( up to 1 ½ hours per practice)
8u and 10u 2 days per week (up to 2 hours per practice)
12u 2 days per week (up to 2 ½ hour practices)
14u 3 days per week (2 hour practices or 2 days at 2 ½ hours
at coaches discretion)
ATTENDANCE POLICY:
**Cheerleading is unlike any other sports in that there are no subs waiting on the bench. Each cheerleader on the team has a specific position. When one child is missing, it affects the whole team. Cheer is a team sport!! Please be sure both you & your child understand the commitment**
All practices, games, choreography days and competitions are mandatory.
Cheerleaders will be allowed 2 unexcused absences in the summer and 2 unexcused absences starting September 1st
In addition any absence the week before a competition could result in the athlete being unable to participate.
We do understand that sickness happens. Please be aware that you could be asked for a doctor's note.
We also understand that other extenuating circumstances arise. Please reach out to the cheer director for more guidance.
All absences need to be communicated to your child's coach.
COMPETITION INFORMATION:
Two Tracks for competition: Local and National
Locally tracked teams will participate in 2-3 local competitions
Nationally tracked teams will compete in up to 4 competitions with the goal of advancing each competition to get to Nationals.
As we are new to this format, it is undecided as to which teams will be on a Nationals vs. Locals track. Teams will be determined by the North Reading Youth Cheer Director and coaches with the best interest of all cheerleaders and the program in mind. It is also undecided if grade level teams will still be the best fit for our program. The program will do its best to keep kids together, but most towns around us have mixed age teams.
There will be three categories for registration:
6u
This is a local track only. This is for cheerleaders entering Kindergarten as well as all first graders who are no older than 6 by 7/31/2025.
(Meaning If you turn 7 after 7/31/2025 you are still eligible for 6u for the season.)
10u
This will have multiple teams competing at multiple levels and tracks as well as divided into 8u and 10u teams based on enrollment.
You must be 7 years old and no older than 10 by 7/31/2025
14u
This will have multiple teams competing at multiple levels and tracks as well as divided into 12u and 14u teams based on enrollment.
You must be 10 years old and no older than 14 by 7/31/2025
*You will be notified mid June of your cheerleaders team placement.*
If the commitment to Nationals does not align with your family’s needs, we encourage you to email nrcheerdirector.com and request the local only option.
National Track Information
By agreeing to travel and compete at the National level, you and your family commit to the following:
There is a $150 per athlete Nationals Registration Fee for teams advancing to Nationals. This fee will be collected during the 2025 cheer season by Sept 8th by check dated 12/1/2025 payable to NRYFC and will only be cashed if that team advances to Nationals. If a team does not advance the check will be destroyed.
Cheerleaders are required to stay in AYC approved lodging and purchase any required packages at the National levels set by the American Youth Cheerleading program.
Regional and National competitions may require athletes to miss days of school.
A letter will be provided for your school's principal and teachers.
Costs and Fundraising:
Should any of our teams earn the right to compete at the AYC National Championships, it will be a self-funded trip. In preparation, we will be fundraising to assist with travel expenses. All cheerleaders are expected to participate in fundraising activities to be eligible for these funds and a portion will be banked for teams that did not qualify for future use. If no team qualifies to travel to Nationals, the funds will remain with the North Reading Youth Cheer organization.
We appreciate your dedication and commitment to the North Reading Youth Cheerleading Program. We are excited for what lies ahead this season and look forward to an exciting and successful year!
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out.
If you have any further questions, please contact me anytime.
Diana Buonopane
North Reading Cheer Director
[email protected]