Cheer Sideline Program
GNJK CHEER PROGRAM
We are so excited to offer a Sideline Cheer program for Fall'24 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.
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 drawstring backpack, warmup jacket, t-shirt and a bow that they will get to keep. Athletes will need to provide a water bottle 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 a total of 8 games, 2-3 will be at home (dependent on scheduling) and the remainder away. Participants are required to be at home games, and are optional for away games dependent on if enough athletes participate. Lastly, they will get to join us in any parades we participate in 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 mid 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 will take place outside at GNHS and begin the week of July 15th. They will run 1 to 2 times a week (age dependent). We will be on the back fields where our football teams practice.
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. All participants will receive a drawstring backpack, warmup jacket, t-shirt and a bow that they will get to keep. Cheer uniforms will need to be returned back at the end of the season.
Do the athletes cheer at flag games also?
No, the sideline cheer program only cheers at our tackle games.
