AboutKimmi Expertise I can answer questions on coaching, planning and running practices, events, fundraisers, coordinating travel. I can answer questions on tumbling, stunting, health, nutrition, and injuries. I can not answer questions on college cheerleading.
Experience My Experience in the area: I cheered on my grade school team for 4 years. I danced for on pointe for 14 years. I have coached for 9 years for grade school basketball cheerleading, grade school competitive squads, and all-star. I now own my own national championship all-star team.
Education/Credentials I am safety certified by the AACCA. I have a BA in Elementary Education and am a certified teacher. I also have my masters in library science with an emphasis on teens.
Due to the volume of questions I get, please read my previous answers before asking your question.
If you have a question about starting a cheerleading squad, or mental blocks please read my many previous answers BEFORE asking your question. Thank you!!
Question Hello! I am former coach & GM of rec cheerleading squad. My daughter is a Senior this year as our 7 of my other cheerleaders. They have an interest, as do I, in starting an All Star Team so that they can continue to cheer. Many are going to be going to local colleges & rather than cheer for college they have expressed an interest in this. I'm not sure where to start. I would appreciate your suggestions & guidance on this subject. I realize we need a sponsor, and I'd also like suggestions of how to try & sell the idea to a local business or individual.
Answer Hi Wendy,
Well, this is a great goal for you to do. You can definitely start an all-star team for these athletes. You have two choices in this. You can start an Open team, which would be people 18 and over. The other option is to do an international open team which is ages 14 and up. Check out the USASF website for the available divisions and their rules.
While a sponsor is not absolutely necessary, it is extremely helpful, and the most tried and true method is a letter writing campaign. Write letters and send them to local businesses asking for sponsorships. Make sure you tell the company what they are going to get in exchange such as their company info on a t-shirt, a plaque etc. The most successful part of this, I have found, is the donations the kids are able to get from their connections. Also, businesses find it harder to say no when you approach them straight forwardly, so you can even go face to face and see what you can talk them into. Good luck with everything. Please let me know how it goes.
Happy Cheering!
Kimmi
