Frequently Asked Questions - Cheer
What equipment is provided by WPTP to my cheerleader?
WPTP provides a game uniform to each cheerleader which consists of a top and skirt. Pom poms will be handed out and collected at each game. New to the 2023, WPTP will also be providing a brand new competition-only uniform as well which will consist of an additional top and skirt. Game uniforms will be issued before the first game and will be the responsibility of the parents to ensure the uniform is cared for and washed appropriately. Game uniforms will be collected once the football season concludes. Competition-only uniforms will be handed out before each competition and collected after each competition by the head coach of each team. Head coaches will be responsible for the maintenance of those uniforms.
Bows will also be provided throughout the season. Each cheerleader can expect between 2-3 bows for various events.
What additional equipment do I need to get?
Each cheerleader will need the following: "bloomers" which are worn under the skirt (the color of these will be determined prior to season start in August), all black sneakers, a black crop-top turtle neck, and black socks. The WPTP Cheer Coaching staff will provide suggestions and links on what items to purchase. We will make these available as the season approaches.
We also have several optional items available for purchase like jackets, and new to 2023 - custom warm-ups.
What are the approximate additional costs for the extra required equipment?
Prices and styles can vary and therefore it is difficult to narrow down amount. We have a great group of veteran cheer parents who offer used (but still in great shape) items whenever possible to help out. We will have a donation collection at the beginning of the season for parents who would like to check what is available before purchasing items brand new.
What is the length of the season?
Practices begin on August 1st. The season for cheerleaders can vary in length depending on the success of their competition performances. Typically the season ends by mid-November, however if any of our teams qualify for Pop Warner National Championships - those are held in Orlando FL in early December.
What is the schedule/time commitment?
Beginning August 1st, our two oldest squads will practice M-F 5:30-7:30, 2 youngest squads 2 days a week 1-2 hrs, depending on coach's schedule. Practices for the month of August are OUTSIDE and parents are encouraged to stay at the field and watch from a distance as to not distract our young athletes. We practice on a grass field during this time.
Beginning the first week of September, the cheerleaders move practices INSIDE. These practices are CLOSED to all parents. Only athletes and coaches are permitted in the school during practice time. The number of practices will decrease at this time as well. Once inside the gym, we practice on a full set of cheerleading safety mats. Practices will begin between 5:30/6pm and will go until 7:30 or 8pm 2-3 times per week M-F, depending on the schedule each team's coach sets. Flag practices are only 1 hr and held 2 times per week.
Games begin in early September and occur each Sunday for September and October. Post-season play would continue for any team who qualifies until the season concludes. Cheerleaders attend all games unless there is a conflict where we have a competition scheduled at the same time. In that case, competitions would prevail as the priority for cheerleaders.
Our cheerleading squads perform at several cheerleading competitions throughout the season. These competitions typically begin in mid-October and continue throughout the next month or so. Typically competitions are held on Saturdays.
Is transportation provided?
No transportation is provided by WPTP for any practices, games, competitions, or other sponsored events. It is the responsibility of participating families to provide transportation to and from each of these events. We suggest car-pooling and having a back-up plan in place in case something happens!