The Manhattan Patriots Recreational Cheer program promotes fun, safety, development and team building. We’re more than just a program, we’re a community where athletes grow, thrive, and shine.
All cheer teams participate on the sideline for our football games through the River Valley Youth Football League and one local rec competition (TBD – October 2026). We welcome cheerleaders from Kindergarten to 8th grade (The participant’s age on July 31, 2026 shall be the participant’s age through May 31, 2027). Each athlete will focus on cheering skills such as stunting, tumbling, dancing, motions and cheers.
We are also planning to add a Mini-Cheer program for pre-K girls. To stay up to date on the latest information, go to "Registration" and complete the Google form.
We are excited to announce our participation in Midwest Elite Cheer and Dance competition (Dates TBD). Midwest Elite Cheer and Dance provide a fun, supportive environment where rec athletes can improve their cheer & dance skills and is regulated by Youth Cheer and Dance Alliance (YCADA).
All coaches will take an online educational course through YCADA, ensuring they are properly trained in cheer skills and coaching. All coaches must also pass a background check.
2026 REGISTRATION COST
$215 Registration Fee.
The fee covers the following items:
- Camps (Dates and times TBD)
- Camp t-shirt & Practice wear (t-shirt & shorts)
- Game day bow
- Uniform rental (warm weather tank, long sleeve top, skirt and pompoms)
- Professional choreography for competition
- Music and copyrights for competition
- Homecoming and Competition gifts
- Consistent practice rental space
Parents are responsible for providing white cheer shoes and white no-show socks. Birth Certificates and Sports Physicals are required for each cheerleader. Sports physicals are due by the first day of practice.
TEAM LEVELS will be based on several factors including enrollment numbers, ages and coaches. YCADA youth divisions are determined by the age of oldest team member. Levels will be determined prior to the start of the season. Please stay tuned for additional communications.
PRACTICES will be communicated prior to the start of the season (season starts late July). The first two weeks of the season, practice will be Monday through Friday with a social event on the last day of this series. ATTENDANCE IS MANDATORY THE WEEK OF CHOREOGRAPHY. Practices will then move to two days per week, 1-2 hours per practice based on age (an additional day may be needed closer to competition). Exact times and dates will be announced prior to the start of the season. Once assigned, we will do our best to have all practice schedules remain consistent throughout the season. Practice will be both outdoors and indoors (location TBD). All indoor practices will have access to mat time.
ATTENDANCE at all practices, games, and competitions is MANDATORY to ensure the best experience for every athlete and their team. Full participation is essential for a safe, productive, and successful experience for all cheerleaders. Each athlete’s attendance at practices, games, competitions, and performances is critical, not just for their own growth, but for the safety and success of the entire team. Missing even one practice affects formations, stunts, and the overall team dynamic.
Absences due to other sports or activities are NOT excused. Manhattan Patriots Cheerleading must be a priority commitment throughout the season. Proper notification and adherence to attendance procedures are expected.
Absences will only be excused for illness, death in the family, religious obligation and once-in-a-lifetime special events. No excused absences are permitted in the week of Choreography and leading to Competition—please plan accordingly. All special requests for the season must be submitted by the 1st week of practice to your team’s Coach for review. We will review the attendance policy with cheerleaders and parents the first week of practice.
ALL COMMUNICATIONS will be issued via email and/or TeamSnap based on the information provided during registration. Communications will include information regarding cheer fittings, uniform pickup, practice schedule, game information and program information (ex: volunteer sign-up). We recommend downloading the TeamSnap app and ensuring you enable notifications. We also recommend checking e-mails one hour prior to each game/practice as changes due to weather or unforeseen circumstances can and do arise. Any parent concerns can be addressed first with the squad’s head coach and further escalated to the Board if needed.
DEPOSIT CHECKS are required for all athletes. 1) $350 uniform deposit check per athlete and 2) $600 volunteer deposit check per family ($550 advanced buyout). Checks should be made payable to the MPF&C and post-dated to October 31st, 2026. Checks are only cashed if volunteer hours are not completed and/or uniform items are not returned.
To learn more about the Manhattan Patriots Cheer Program or if you are interested in Coaching, please feel free to contact the Cheer Director via email.
