Aurora Gators Cheer Q & A
2026
The Aurora Gators program offers instruction and competitive cheer levels for ages 4 to 13. No tryouts are required. Our goal is to teach safety and fundamentals in a fun and educational environment. As a proud member of Pop Warner Little Scholars, we also focus on academics requiring our cheer athletes to excel in the classroom before permitting them to participate on the field. The academic standards that have been set give our athletes a sense of responsibility and an appreciation of academics and athletics that will help them develop later in life.
All Aurora Gators Cheer Coaches are certified through Pop Warner. Together with Youth Cheer and Dance Alliance (YCADA), Pop Warner is able to provide online educational courses for its coaches, administrators and judges for all cheer levels
When does the season start?
July 15th
Does my child need specific skills?
NO! There are no try-outs and no specific skill requirements. Just bring your willingness to learn, cheer spirit, and work hard!
How often are practices?
EVERY participant must have 20 hours of conditioning practice prior to participating in games. To ensure this happens we offer 5 weeks of practice 2 nights a week for at the beginning of the season from 6:00 pm ā 8:00 pm. This is done to allow for the 20 needed hours as we recognize that not everyone will make it every night each week. After the conditioning period is complete, teams will practice 2-3 nights a week as determined by the coach. The nights of practice are determined by each teamās head coach. Competitive team practices could include weekends.
Where do you practice?
We practice at Marmion Academy in Aurora, IL
What are the age categories?
All teams are based on the childās age as of July 31st. Team availability depends on coaches and number of participants. There may not be a team in each one of the categories.
Non-Competitive Cheer
Tiny Mite: Ages 5, 6, & 7
. Mitey Mite: Ages 7, 8, & 9
Ā· Jr. Pee Wee: Ages 8, 9, 10, & 11
Ā· Pee Wee: Ages 9, 10, 11, & 12
Ā· Jr. Varsity: Ages 10, 11, 12, & 13
Can I choose which team my child is on?
The Cheer Director assigns participants to teams based on age, team availability, and the number of participants registered. You may indicate a preference for a specific coach/team on your registration but it is not guaranteed.
What do participants do other than practice?
Each participant ācheersā on the sidelines at Sunday football games beginning on the last Sunday in August through October (may extend if teams move on to championship games). Cheer/dance teams are assigned to their corresponding football team by age and follow that teamās game schedule. Home games are at Marmion Academy. Away games may be requested by the organization.
What does Aurora Gators provide?
Your registration includes a cheer uniform rental, Practice shirt, game day bow, pink bow. Bows and briefs are yours to keep. All cheerleaders will be provided Pom poms for games.
What do I have to pay for?
These items are MANDATORY
All cheerleaders will need to purchase their own no-show white socks, white cheer shoes, and cold weather accessories.
Are the coaches paid employees of Aurora Gators Cheer?
NO. They are volunteers who donate their time to help our kids. This entire program, in fact, is run by volunteers who put in a great deal of personal time to make this program available to your children.
What are the volunteer requirements?
ALL participants are required to have a designated person from the family sign up for volunteer shifts at practice and game fields unless you do the ābuy-outā at the time of registration. Aurora Gators is a 100% volunteer organization. EVERYONE from the coaches to association commissioners to league and region staff are volunteers