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.

 2026 Season

 North Reading Youth Cheer is part of 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 April 15th and closes on May 31st, 2026
  

  Registration is online - https://www.nryhornets.com/

• Registration fee is $325 for 6u.

• All other divisions $375

Divisions for Registration:

6u 

This is a local track only. This is for cheerleaders entering Kindergarten who are no older than 6 as of 7/01/2026 

(Meaning If you turn 7 after 7/01/2026 you are still eligible for 6u for the season.)

8u 

This will have multiple teams competing at multiple levels and tracks based on enrollment. 

You must be 8 or younger as of 7/01/2026

10u  

 This will have multiple teams competing at multiple levels and tracks  based on enrollment.

You must be 10 or younger as 7/01/2026

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 14 or younger as of  7/01/2026

*You will be notified mid June of your cheerleaders team placement.*

REFUND POLICY:

• A FULL REFUND will be granted if the request is received prior to June 30th.

• A PARTIAL REFUND (50%) will be granted if the request is received prior to August 2nd 

• NO REFUNDS will be given after the season starts on August 2nd.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               To receive a refund, please email nrcheerdirector.com

GAME DAY INFORMATION:

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

• We cheer home and away games 

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 in Florida

*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 once registration is complete. 

National Track Information: Costs and Fundraising:

By agreeing to travel and compete at the National level, you and your family commit to the following:

• 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.

• Cheerleaders/families are responsible for the cost of their trip to Nationals. 

• Fundraisers will be available to help offset the costs. 

• Regional and National competitions may require athletes to miss days of school.   

***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.

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.

• 1 bow will be included with your registration fee

• A school spirit wear shirt will be included with your registration fee

PURCHASE ITEMS:

• 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:

• The season starts with a mandatory conditioning week.

• 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

• Extra practices could be held as competitions approach during October/November.

• Practice Frequency


PRACTICE SCHEDULE:

      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                2/3days per week (up to 2 1/2 hour practices

                                                         
* Each team will also be assigned 2 mandatory choreography practices in early September. 

ATTENDANCE POLICY:

 **Cheerleading is unlike any other sport 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.

• 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.

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. 

Diana 

North Reading Cheer Director

[email protected]