Cheerleading

Welcome to Chatham Youth Cheerleading (Grades 4–8)

Chatham Youth Cheerleading is open to all Chatham residents in grades 4 through 8 during the 2026–2027 school year (participation fee: $280). Basic to intermediate cheerleading and stunting skills are taught in a supervised setting with Chatham High School Varsity Cheerleaders and certified Parent Manager Volunteers. Our squads cheer for Chatham youth tackle football teams — home and away, rain or shine!

“A good cheerleader is not measured by the height of her jumps but the span of her spirit.”

Guiding Principles for All Cheerleaders

  • Safety first!
  • Positive attitude & support for your teammates
  • Respect for each other, CHS Varsity coaches, and Parent Managers
  • Focus, commitment, effort, and have fun!

Season Kick-Off Clinic: Held at the end of August prior to the start of regular-season Sunday games at Cougar Field.

2026 Practice Schedule by Grade & Game Days

Squads hold one weekly 90-minute practice plus one weekly football game (typically Sundays, with occasional Saturday games and a 1-hour pregame practice):

  • 4th Grade: Tuesday, 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
  • 5th Grade: Thursday, 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
  • 6th Grade: Wednesday, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
  • 7th Grade: Wednesday, 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
  • 8th Grade: Tuesday, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM

Home games are hosted at Cougar Field at Chatham High School, 255 Lafayette Ave / 314 Shunpike Rd, Chatham, NJ 07928 (field locations guide). NJSYFL Playoffs take place in early to mid-November. Please Note: If a cheerleader does not attend weekly practices or has poor attendance, they will not be permitted to stunt for safety reasons.

Uniforms (Go Ballistics Sports) & Dress Code

Uniforms: Redesigned 2026–2027 uniforms are ordered directly through Go Ballistics Sports (a purchase link is sent to all registered participants, while reusing select items from last season).

  • Footwear: All-white, lightweight, stable athletic sneakers (canvas sneakers, slides, slip-ons, and flip-flops are not permitted).
  • Practice & Game Appearance: Hair pulled up and back away from the face with the provided cheer bow; white no-show socks and navy leggings when needed.
  • Prohibited Items: Jewelry, jeans or jean shorts, and long artificial nails are strictly prohibited — no exceptions!

The Diamond Club

The Diamond Club is a special recognition program for dedication to Chatham Youth Cheerleading. It is open to all participants who consistently attend and fully engage in all regularly scheduled games and practices (arriving on time and staying for the entire duration; one excused absence per season is permitted).

Cheerleaders who qualify earn a place in the Diamond Club and receive a custom Diamond Club Chatham Cheer hoodie and certificate at the end of the season.

Parent Manager Volunteers

Each squad requires at least four certified Parent Managers, with at least two Parent Managers present at every practice and game. No prior cheer experience is required — certification consists of a background check and a Safety & Certification Training Course. All parent questions should be directed to Parent Managers rather than CHS teen coaches.

See our programs overview for additional club details.

Program Coordinators & Registration

Youth Cheerleading Program Coordinators: Heather Murray, Laura Halligan, Casey Hollenbeck, and Lyndsey Lyons — [email protected].

Review our registration page and sign up via TeamSnap registration (existing members can use TeamSnap sign in). For confidential financial aid or fee waivers, email President Lou Astolfi at [email protected].