Join the Excitement at
Fingerlakes
Flyers
Cheerleading
Our Services
At Fingerlakes Flyers, we believe in nurturing both the talent and spirit of each cheerleader. Our expert coaching and supportive community ensure that you're not just perfecting your moves, but also creating memories and friendships that last a lifetime.
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$50
Team registration is for those athletes who have committed to joining our program for the upcoming season!
This fee covers space usage, equipment, insurance, music, and birthday celebrations for each athlete.
Ready to sign up? Contact us for the registration link.
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$300
Every athlete needs to order their uniform, bow, shoes, and personalized warmups.
These are all items you KEEP at the end of the season. Uniforms are used for a minimum of 2 years before we redesign.
We do our best to keep costs low and offer fundraising opportunities to help cover the costs of these items.
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~$500
Our teams compete at least once per month from December through April.
We do as much fundraising as we can as a program to cover the registration costs, but paying the fees up front for your child is also an option.
Each competition producer charges a different amount per athlete for that child to take the mat. These fees differ from company to company and depending on our schedule can cost between $500 and $1000 per athlete per season.
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~$20-50 per hour
Private lessons are for those athletes who want to work more one-on-one with a coach to improve their jumps, tumbling, strength, and flexibility outside of our normal practice days and times.
These lessons are by no means required, nor do you have to be a member of our teams to participate.
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What Joining a Cheer Team Really Teaches Your Child (Spoiler: It’s Not Just About Pom-Poms!)
When you picture youth cheerleading, does your mind immediately flash to smiling squads, glittery bows, and, of course, the ever-present pom-poms? While all that fun is definitely part of the experience, joining a cheer team like Fingerlakes Flyers actually offers children a wealth of life lessons that reach far past the sidelines. If you’ve ever wondered what your child might really gain from being part of a cheer team, get ready—because the answer goes way beyond high kicks and halftime shows!
Shaping Strong, Resilient Bodies
Let’s dive into the training! Cheerleading seriously packs a punch when it comes to physical fitness—and your child probably won’t even notice how hard they’re working because they’re having so much fun. At Fingerlakes Flyers practices, Flyers aren’t just learning cheers; they’re busy stretching, jumping, stunting, tumbling, dancing, and running full routines—all during the same session.
All this variety challenges every part of the body. Whether they’re perfecting a cartwheel or learning to base a stunt, our athletes are:
- Building and toning muscles (especially core and legs)
- Boosting endurance and heart health
- Sharpening motor skills and coordination
- Gaining balance, agility, and flexibility
The best part? Practices are never boring. Each session mixes things up, so kids stay motivated, excited, and way less likely to complain about “working out.” Sweat and smiles, guaranteed!
Confidence You Can See (And They Can Feel)
Imagine your child working for weeks to perfect a tumbling sequence, finally nailing it, and seeing their coach and teammates erupt in cheers. That honest celebration sticks with them far longer than what you’ll see at any competition.
Cheerleading provides daily opportunities for kids to push past “I can’t”—whether that’s performing in front of a crowd, speaking up for their team, or just learning a tricky jump. Every new skill mastered and each successful performance builds genuine self-esteem. Here’s how it happens:
- Children learn to set and achieve realistic goals.
- They experience the power of positive reinforcement—from coaches and teammates alike.
- Kids practice taking feedback, adjusting, and trying again.
- Performing in public settings gets them comfortable with being “seen” and heard.
Even the shyest new Flyers begin to find their voices and let their personalities shine, both on and off the mat. Much of that confidence filters into daily life, too—think class presentations, social situations, and trying new things with less fear.
Teamwork: The Real MVP
Let’s talk about one of the best parts of cheer: nobody is in it alone. Cheerleading is the ultimate team sport. If one person’s timing is off, the entire stunt can collapse (sometimes literally!). That means cheerleaders become experts at listening, trusting, and supporting one another every time they hit the floor.
Here’s what team life teaches:
- Collaboration: Kids learn that team success comes from shared effort, not just individual skills.
- Empathy: Flyers lift each other up—sometimes physically, always emotionally—after setbacks or mistakes.
- Accountability: Each athlete’s hard work directly impacts the group. It’s a real-world lesson in showing up and doing your part.
- Friendship: Bonds formed on the mat (and at all those team events) often turn into lifelong friendships.
When you see a cheer group working together, you’re watching real-world teamwork that will serve them in adulthood, in every classroom, and on every future team or workplace.
Performance: Poise, Communication & Handling Pressure
If the thought of public speaking gives you chills, you’re not alone! What’s amazing about cheer is the gradual, supportive way it turns performance anxiety into poise. Every time a Flyer steps up for a routine, they’re gaining critical skills:
- Clear communication: Voicing chants and learning projection builds public speaking confidence.
- Grace under pressure: Performing at competitions or crowded basketball games helps kids manage nerves and stay focused, even when the spotlight is on.
- Quick thinking: Sometimes routines go sideways—costumes slip, a song is off, an arm ends up where it shouldn’t. Kids learn to adapt and keep moving without missing a beat (and with a smile).
These “stage” skills are huge assets in school presentations, job interviews, and so many other arenas.
Setting Goals & Developing Discipline
Nobody learns a back handspring on their first try, and that’s exactly the point. Cheerleading teaches our athletes to break down big goals into smaller, achievable steps—and to put in the consistent work required to get there.
- Perseverance: Progress happens through trial, error, and a lot of repetition. Kids experience setbacks, but they also see that effort leads to improvement.
- Time management: Balancing cheer, academics, and family life helps children learn to prioritize and organize their schedules.
- Responsibility: Sticking to practice times, keeping up with routines, and remembering team gear are all small steps that build a deeper sense of accountability.
At Fingerlakes Flyers, we celebrate process as much as progress—because every practice is an opportunity to implement both discipline and patience, two skills that serve our athletes far beyond the sport.
Leadership in Action
As cheerleaders gain experience, new opportunities arise: maybe they help teach the next group of beginners, lead a warm-up, or step up as a squad co-captain. All these roles offer experience in leadership—motivating others, leading by example, and lifting the team up when things get tough.
Even the act of cheering for (and supporting) other sports teams at community events fosters leadership traits—enthusiasm, empathy, and a willingness to jump in and make others feel good.
Beyond the Gym: Life Lessons That Stick
At the end of the day, joining a cheer team shapes so much more than skills with pompoms. It’s about physical strength and perseverance, spirit and self-control. It’s about learning that the hard days are just as formative as the victories, and that being part of a supportive, hard-working team is one of the best feelings in the world.
So when you’re deciding if cheerleading is a good fit for your child, remember: the real benefit isn’t just in the routines, the competitions, or the sparkly uniforms. It’s in the life skills—the ones that will carry with them into every classroom, job, and relationship from here on out.
Want to learn more about what makes Fingerlakes Flyers special? Visit our About page or get in touch with us here—we’d love to cheer for your family next season!
Why Youth Sports Matter: The Lasting Impact of Joining a Team Like Fingerlakes Flyers
Think back for a second—maybe to a childhood filled with whirlwind team practices, late-night pep talks in the car on the way home, or the first time you stuck a landing and your whole squad went wild. Youth sports, for so many of us, are about way more than trophies and ribbons. At Fingerlakes Flyers, we see every day how cheerleading helps kids develop on and off the mat—and the impact lasts far longer than just one season.
Let’s dive into the big reasons why joining a youth sports team is life-changing and see what makes being part of something like Fingerlakes Flyers such a powerful experience.
Physical Health for Today and Tomorrow
One of the most obvious benefits is physical health. It’s not just about staying busy or burning off extra energy; it’s about building strong habits early on that carry into adulthood.
For starters, active kids are much less likely to become overweight or develop health issues such as type 2 diabetes later in life. Organized sports like cheerleading get kids moving, jumping, stretching, and building cardiovascular health. According to research, teens who play sports are actually eight times more likely to be physically active at age 24 compared to those who don’t participate at all. That’s a massive head start on a healthy future.
But that’s not all:
- Coordinated Movement: Youth sports lay down the foundation for lifelong motor skills—from balance and flexibility, to reaction time and body awareness.
- Better Sleep: Active teens tend to sleep better, which is crucial for both physical growth and mental development.
- Resilience and Injury Prevention: Dancing, tumbling, and stunting in cheer sets kids up with strength and resilience that protect against injuries—not only in sports, but in everyday activities.
Mental Health: Building Confidence and Coping Skills
There’s something special about seeing a shy kid come out of their shell during a cheer routine, or a team lifting each other up after a tough loss. The mental and emotional benefits of youth sports are huge:
- Self-Esteem: Every successful routine or new skill boosts confidence. Even learning to deal with setbacks and “try again” moments helps kids build grit and self-belief.
- Stress Reduction: Regular physical activity is a proven stress reliever, which is especially important in today’s high-pressure world.
- Lower Risk of Anxiety and Depression: Studies show that kids who stay involved in team sports through high school experience fewer symptoms of depression and anxiety into adulthood.
Consistency matters too! Kids who stick with a sport—not just try it for a season—see greater long-term mental health benefits. So fostering a fun and positive environment (something we care about deeply at Fingerlakes Flyers) can make all the difference.
Social Smarts: Teamwork, Communication, and Lifelong Friendships
Ask any cheerleader what they love about being on a team, and you’ll probably hear stories about friendships, teamwork, and unforgettable memories. Youth sports are powerful training grounds for social skills that matter way beyond the gym.
- Teamwork: Working toward a shared goal, like nailing a complicated routine, teaches valuable lessons in cooperation and trust.
- Communication: Whether it’s sharing ideas or giving a pep talk, athletes quickly learn how to express themselves clearly—and listen up, too.
- Conflict Resolution: Not every practice goes smoothly; learning to handle disagreements, support each other, and celebrate wins as a team builds resilience and emotional intelligence.
Many parents tell us the friendships their kids make at Flyers last long after the season ends. It’s not just about the time on the mat—it’s the sleepovers, carpool rides, and inside jokes along the way.
Lessons That Last a Lifetime
Youth sports don’t just shape athletes; they shape people. When you’re part of a team, you learn to manage your time (practice, school, family, repeat!), set goals, and commit to something bigger than yourself. All those “little” lessons add up:
- Leadership: Whether taking the lead on a routine or speaking up for teammates, sports give kids opportunities to become leaders in ways that feel natural and authentic.
- Goal Setting: From mastering a new stunt to winning a competition, athletes get practice setting goals and working hard to achieve them.
- Perseverance: Learning how to bounce back from tough practices, missed landings, or team setbacks helps develop grit—an important skill for life.
Participation also opens doors down the road. Research shows former youth athletes often go on to be successful leaders and team players in college, their careers, and beyond.
Creating Opportunities, Not Pressure
Of course, it’s not all sunshine and glitter bows. Letting kids have a voice in their sports experience—and making sure it’s fun—really matters. Too much pressure to be perfect, specialize too early, or “win at all costs” can backfire, leading to burnout or kids dropping out altogether.
Some ways we at Fingerlakes Flyers keep things positive:
- Variety and Balance: We encourage athletes to explore other activities and sports, not just cheer.
- Focus on Improvement: Personal growth and trying your best matter more than first place.
- Supportive Coaching: Our coaches are here to celebrate every win and help athletes through challenges—no yelling or shaming.
- Community Spirit: From parent volunteers to team events, we build a network where everyone feels supported.
Cheerleading at Fingerlakes Flyers: More Than Just Routines
While every youth sport offers benefits, there’s something unique about all-star and youth cheerleading. The mix of athleticism, creativity, and performance means kids build both their bodies and their confidence. And with every practice, competition, and community event, they know they belong to something special.
- Kids get to perform, push limits, and express themselves, all at once
- The whole family gets to be part of the journey: cheering each other on, building connections, and celebrating every milestone together
- Whether your child’s dream is to compete at nationals or simply make new friends and grow, they’ll find their tribe here
If you’re curious about getting started or want to know more about our programs, check out our About page or drop us a line on our Contact page. We’re here to answer your questions and help your child find a place on the mat—and in our community.
Final Thoughts
The rewards of youth sports aren’t just for the young—they’re lifelong. Kids who join teams like Fingerlakes Flyers are learning healthy habits, building unshakeable confidence, and creating friendships and memories that will stick with them for decades. The jumps and stunts are exciting, sure—but the real magic happens in the growth you can’t always see from the stands.
Here’s to every flyer, base, parent, and coach who believes in the power of youth sports. See you on the mat!
Ready to join? Explore what’s next at Fingerlakes Flyers.