We are happy to announce that we have partnered with West Albany High School Cheerleading to bring you Future Bulldog Cheer! This year we are offering two different options, Performance Cheer and Competition Cheer:

Performance Cheer (Available for Grades 1-6): Season runs August 20, 2025, through late January 2026. This team will have one 90-minute practice per week, two halftime performances (football and basketball), and one end of season Showcase performance. These teams will not compete. This is a great opportunity to try cheerleading with a low time commitment. Athletes will attend a one-day Cheer Day Camp at West Albany (Sept. 13, 2025). Practices will be Wednesdays from 4:30pm-6:00pm in the Family Activities Center at the YMCA. 

Competition Cheer (Available for Grades 3-6): Season runs August 18, 2025, through late February 2026. This team will have two, two-hour practices per week, compete at 5-6 competitions within Oregon, perform at two halftime performances (football and basketball) and perform at the one end of season Showcase. This is an opportunity for athletes who are serious about cheer to push to higher levels, both mentally and physically.  Attendance at practices is incredibly important in competitive cheer, and families need to commit to facilitating a high level of attendance. In addition to practices, athletes are highly encouraged to enroll in a tumbling class (1-2x per week) at a local gym. The competition team will attend a two-day Cheer Day Camp at West Albany (Sept. 13-14, 2025). Practices will be Mondays and Wednesdays from 4:30pm-6:30pm in the Family Activities Center at the YMCA. Starting in November it is possible that we drop our Monday practice and start a Sunday practice at West Albany, so we have access to a full floor of cheer mats.

FAQs:

Is there a tryout?

Performance Cheer: No. All are welcome!

Competition Cheer: There will not be a “tryout”. Instead, athletes who sign up for the Competition Team will be evaluated over the first 2-3 weeks of practice. Coaches will consider not just cheer skills, but work ethic, attitude, and physical ability. Previous cheer or gymnastics experience is ideal; however, beginners ARE welcome on the performance team! Beginners can have a successful season if they are coachable and up to athletic challenge (things like sprints, burpees, and plyometrics will be part of every practice). After evaluations, if coaches feel an athlete isn’t a good fit for the Competition Team, that family has two options: Finish the season on a Performance Cheer team or receive a refund. If you are on unsure if your child is a good fit for the Performance Team, we encourage you to sign up and give it a try!

How much will it cost?

Performance Cheer: Cost will be $700.00. An initial payment of $300.00 is due upon registration, and the remaining $400 will be billed on the first day of each month (September – January) at $80/month. Registration payment includes cheer camp and uniform package (top, skirt, undershorts, body liner, t-shirt, sweatshirt, pom poms, and bow). 

Competition Cheer: Cost will be $1,200.00. An initial payment of $300.00 is due upon registration, and the remaining $900 will be billed on the first day of each month (September – February) at $150/month. Registration payment includes competition fees, cheer camp, and uniform package (competition long sleeve uniform with rhinestones, t-shirt, sweatshirt, pom poms, and bow). 

We understand that this is a significant investment for families. We have worked to reduce the cost as much as possible, while providing a quality experience. The cost to participate in Future Bulldog Cheer is significantly less than joining a team through a cheer gym. 

Will we have to travel?

Performance Cheer: No travel.

Competition Cheer: All competitions will be within 2 hours of Albany. 

What can my child do to prepare for the cheer season?

We recommend that all cheerleaders enroll in a tumbling class during the “off season”. Athletes who are serious about cheerleading would benefit from a year-round tumbling class. Local options are United Tumbling and Cheer, Peak Elite Gymnastics Academy, Champion Cheer Athletics, Legacy Ballet, and Haven’s Urban Movement (classes are called acrobatics).

There is a wide variety of YouTube videos that can help with cheer technique, strength, and flexibility. Check out some recommended videos HERE.

If you have any questions, please reach out to our athletic director Jalen at [email protected] or the head coach Morgan Wadlow at [email protected]