Franklin Panthers Youth Cheerleading

Building Champions, Creating Memories, Inspiring Excellence. Welcome to the Franklin Panthers Cheerleading family! We're passionate about developing young athletes through teamwork, dedication, and school spirit. Whether you're new to cheer or returning for another season, we're excited to have you join our Panther family.

Registration & Getting Started

Ready to Join the Panthers?

Registration for our Fall Cheer Season opens in March. Early registration allows you to take advantage of convenient payment plans! Athletes register based on their grade, and once registration is complete, athletes are placed on teams based on age and registration numbers.

Age Requirements

We welcome athletes in Pre-k, Kindergarten through 8th grade. Your child must be 5 years old by July 1st of the current season to participate.

What You'll Need to Submit

Completed Player Packet
Original birth certificate (with raised seal) for inspection plus one copy
Copy of your athlete's most recent report card (for Fall season)
Physical or medical clearance dated in the calendar year of the season

We'll host an in-person "Paperwork Turn-In" event with details shared via email and social media.

Practice Schedule & Locations

Summer Practices:

When: Practices begin the last week of July or first week of August
Where: Held outdoors at Franklin High School
Schedule: Typically Monday–Thursday evenings

Younger teams: 2–3 days per week
10U-14U teams: 4 days per week

Important: All athletes must complete 10 hours of conditioning to start the season.

Fall Practices

Where: Indoor facilities including Downtown Sports in Franklin and other assigned gyms

Schedule:

Younger teams: 1–2 days per week
10U-14U teams: 3 days per week, additional practices maybe added as needed closer to competition date

Mandatory Choreography Days August 22^nd and 23^rd (10u-14u only)

Season Timeline

The season typically ends in late November but may run until mid-December for teams that advance to AYC Nationals as well as football teams who make playoffs.

Attendance Is Critical

Missing even one athlete impacts the entire team's ability to practice stunts safely. Nationally tracked teams have mandatory attendance requirements and must document all absences and tardiness.

Safety Rule: Athletes who miss final practice(s) before a competition—regardless of reason—will not be permitted to compete.

Team Structure

How Teams Are Divided

Team placement is based on age as of July 1st, following AYC guidelines. Final team offerings depend on registration numbers.

Team Divisions:

6U – Exhibition team Non-Advancing (1-2 competitions)
8U – Competition Non-Advancing (2–3 local competitions)
10U – Competition Advancing (can progress to Nationals)
12U – Competition Advancing (can progress to Nationals)
14U – Competition Advancing (can progress to Nationals)

Teams are assigned a Level (1–4) based on the skill level of the majority. Team sizes may determine if we compete in Small or Large division.

Competition Season

Competition Schedule

Competitions begin in October with the following schedule:

October - Power In Pink Competition (All teams)

October - Invitational Competition (Teams vary)

October - E-Mass Locals Competition (All teams)

October - States Competition, Lowell MA (Top 3 nationally tracked teams from Locals)

November - Regional Competition, Rhode Island (Top 3 nationally tracked teams from States)

December - Nationals, Kissimmee FL (Qualifying teams)

*Competition times are announced the week of each event.

What to Expect on Competition Day

Athletes meet for hair and team preparation—often at a central location
Coaches may organize carpools
Athletes stay with their team until after awards
Bring concession money in a labeled bag for coach distribution
After awards and team photos, athletes may leave with parents

Nationals Travel

Location: Orlando/Kissimmee, Florida in early December

Family Responsibilities: Booking "Stay to Play" hotels and flights

Costs: Families are responsible for all costs associated with traveling to Nationals. Average cost is ~$1,500 per athlete.

Fundraising Support May Cover:

Up to $450 of the athlete's flight
25% of hotel cost (rooms of 4)
Meals, AYC hoodie, Nationals practice wear, and other items

Football Games & Sideline Cheer

First Game Labor Day Weekend, Most games are on Sundays
We aim for at least one Saturday night game per season
Athletes cheer at both home and away games
Full game schedule typically available in mid-August

Game Day Experience

Arrive early for team meeting and warm-up (coach will communicate specifics prior to game day)
Referees and an EMT are present at every game
Concessions and restrooms are usually available

Costs & Equipment

Registration Fees:
6U - $100
8U - $300
10U - $450
12U - $450
14u - $450

Required Gear (Estimated Costs)

Warm-Up Jacket and pants: $50-$100
Competition Jersey (Nationals teams): $40–50
Cheer Shoes: $50–$100
White no-show socks
Competition Merch - $20-$50 optional

Uniforms and competition bows are provided and must be returned in good condition at season's end.

Practice Attire

Athletes should wear athletic gear to practice:
Fitted shorts and tank top or t-shirt
Athletic or cheer shoes
Hair pulled back, no jewelry or long nails

Additional Costs

Competition Tickets: Invitational and local events (~$15); State/Regionals/Nationals ($30–50+ per person, per day)

Financial Assistance

Scholarships are available for families needing financial assistance. Please email the Cheer Coordinator for information.
Note: Scholarships do not cover costs for Nationally Tracked teams. Speak with your Cheer Coordinator directly for more information.

Policies & Requirements

Attendance Policy - may vary from team to team based on age group

Attendance is mandatory. Cheer is a team sport and stunts depend on full attendance.

3 tardies = 1 absence
3 unexcused absences = moved to Sideline Only team
Final practice(s) before a competition are required to compete

Excused Absences: Graded school events and family emergencies
Not Excused: Conflicts with other sports or school dances/socials

Parent & Guardian Requirements

Fundraising: All families are expected to participate in fundraisers including canning at local businesses.

Volunteering: Our league runs entirely on volunteers. Please consider helping with:

Game day chains
Concession stands
Competition volunteers -min 6 people per session in which your athlete is not performing in. (this raises moneny for our program)

Behavior Policy

All cheerleaders and families are expected to adhere to our code of conduct. Fighting, intimidation, bullying, use of illegal substances, or disrespect for Board members, coaches or any authority member, including but not limited to social media posts, will not be tolerated and may result in suspension or removal from the program without refund.

Remember that each cheerleader represents Franklin Youth Football & Cheer and the Town of Franklin. Always conduct yourself with good sportsmanship toward our organization, team members, coaches, and opposing teams.

Stay Connected

Communication Channels

Email for official updates
TeamLink for team-specific information
Social Media - Follow us on Facebook & Instagram

Panther Friday

Every Friday during the season, athletes wear their Franklin Panthers gear to school to show team spirit! Share your Panther Friday photos on your team's Facebook & Instagram page to be featured on our social media.

Contact Information

Questions? Contact our Cheer Coordinator, Rachael Lane

Need Financial Assistance? Email Cheer Coordinator to request a scholarship form

Welcome to the Panther Family!

We know this is a lot of information, but we want every family to feel informed and excited about our program. We're passionate about developing our athletes and can't wait to welcome you to the Franklin Panthers family!