Cheer Sideline Program
GNJK CHEER PROGRAM
We are so excited to welcome Christina Egmer as our Director of Cheer and to offer a Sideline Cheer program for Fall'25 K-8th grades! This will allow the athletes to cheer at all of our home games. At this time, we do not have plans to offer a competitive cheer program. One question we get asked often is does the athlete need to be in district to play? Our answer is simple, we are a feeder program for GNHS, our tackle and cheer uniforms and values resemble theirs and the point of our program is to help grow theirs. However, if an out of district athlete wants to participate with us we will not turn them away. If we did, that would go against our mission of making football and cheer available to all.
GNJK teaches the lifelong principles of good citizenship, sportsmanship, teamwork, dedication, and knowledge in the competitive fundamentals of the game of football. We teach physical fitness, mental discipline, and teamwork to develop a winning attitude, scholarship, and sportsmanship that will be carried on and off the field of play.
Registration for Fall 2025 will be closing May 31st.
What is sideline cheer?
Sideline cheering's main focus is to cheer for the team and engage with fans to keep the fan spirits high during the football season. Sideline cheerleaders are enthusiastic, pump up the crowd, and encourage the fans to have spirit.
How old do you have to be to do sideline cheer, and do you need cheer experience?
Our program is offered for athletes that will be in fall K-8th grades and NO cheer experience is necessary.
Does the athlete need to be in Grayslake North district to participate?
One question we get asked often is does the athlete need to be in district to play? Our answer is simple, we are a feeder program for GNHS, our tackle and cheer uniforms and values resemble theirs and the point of our program is to help grow theirs. However, if an out of district athlete wants to participate with us we will not turn them away. If we did, that would go against our mission of making football and cheer available to all.
What will the athletes need?
All our participants will be provided a cheer uniform that will need to be returned at the end of the season. Poms will be provided to athletes by coaches during practices and games. All participants will also receive a t-shirt, pink socks and a bow that they will get to keep. Athletes will need to provide a water bottle, long and short sleeve black shirts and plain white colored shoes. Cheer shoes are preferred but gym shoes will be acceptable.
How many games will the athletes cheer at?
Athletes will learn Grayslake North HS Cheers and perform a mini halftime routine. Participants will also have an opportunity to cheer at 2-3 home games (dependent on scheduling), as well as there will be an away squad which will provide an opportunity for 4 more games. Lastly, athletes will get to join us in any parades we participate in, some GNHS events and perform their cheers at the end of the season awards ceremony.
Game schedule will be available by early July at the latest. All tackle games take place on Saturdays.
When does the season run?
The sideline cheer program follows the tackle one, begins late July and goes through October. Athletes will be required to perform at our awards ceremony that takes place in November.
Where and when will practices take place?
Practices are planned to take place at GNHS and begin the week of July 28th. They will run 2 times a week in the evenings for all grade levels, times will be adjust once school starts. The sideline cheer program follows the tackle one and goes through end of October.
Will my athlete get to cheer for their sibling on the tackle team?
During registration you will be asked if your athlete has a sibling on a tackle team and if they'd like to cheer for them. We will try our best to accommodate all requests.
How much is registration?
Registration will be $200 for the season.
Do the athletes cheer at flag games also?
No, the sideline cheer program only cheers at our tackle games.
