Competition Cheer
A competitive youth cheer program is an intensive, high-commitment athletic experience designed for athletes who want to train and perform at an advanced level. Training is structured, progressive, and often led by experienced coaches who emphasize technique, teamwork, discipline, and performance quality.
Cheerleaders in this program will travel to regional and national competitions throughout the season, which can include weekend events, overnight trips, and extended travel schedules.
Because of the demanding schedule, participants and their families commit significant time, energy, and financial resources. Expectations often include consistent attendance, strong work ethic, team accountability, and a willingness to balance cheer responsibilities with school and other activities.
Competition cheer is a year-round program that combines athletic training, performance preparation, and competitive events, providing a structured environment for skill mastery, personal growth, and high-level team competition.
Ages: 6-12 years old
Season Length: August – April **Season break December and January – Return February
Start Date: July 15th
Practices: 2 hours, 2-3 times weekly
Mandatory Photo ID Day: All participants must attend photo ID day to receive their credentials to participate in games and competition - Weekend of August 8th/9th
Games: Regular Season games on Sundays – Home games only – Schedule released late August
Showcase: Lowell High School Cheer Showcase – Mid October
Competition: 4 competitions (Fall) – 2-3 competitions (Spring)
Nationals
- 2026 location is in Charlotte, North Carolina. December 4th-11th
- All competition teams are competing for a bid to nationals. If your team earns a bid at Regionals you will travel to North Carolina to compete in the Pop Warner National Competition.
- All competitions are mandatory. If you are unable to attend a competition, please consider sideline cheer.
- Your cheerleader’s attendance is mandatory at Nationals. Please take this into consideration when you decide what program of cheer you are registering for.
- Travel expenses (flights/transportation, hotel, and food) are not included in your athlete’s competition fees.
Nationals Travel Deposit
A $150 deposit is due 10/1/2026 to Lowell Pop Warner. (You may use fundraiser money for this deposit) You will receive this deposit back with your fundraising money if your cheerleaders team qualifies for Nationals. Fundraiser checks are disbursed the week before we leave for nationals.
If your cheerleader’s team does not qualify, you will receive this deposit that was paid out of pocket back after regionals. Any fundraised money is nonrefundable and will be used for athletes travel the following season.
If your cheerleader’s team does qualify and your cheerleader does not travel to North Carolina to compete in the National competition, your deposit will be forfeited to the league and Fall of 2027 your cheerleader will not be eligible to register the Lowell Pop Warner Competition Program.
National Fundraising
There will be a few opportunities to help offset the cost of Nationals travel. A fundraising schedule will be provided at the beginning of the season so you can plan accordingly.