Is your son or daughter thinking about trying out for cheerleading? Here are a few reasons why you should encourage them (excerpt from
The Top 8 Reasons to Try Out for Cheer:1.Â
Tryouts are a chance to be brave. Yes, it is a little nerve-wracking to get up and perform in front of people, but you will feel such a rush during your performance and a sense of accomplishment after!Â
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You'll gain confidence. Being brave will give you confidence. Even if you try and put yourself out there, it will give you the confidence to try other things you might like. Confidence comes from taking action and trying new things, not from doing things flawlessly.Â
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You might fall in love with cheer. If this is your first time trying out for a cheerleading squad, you might discover that cheerleading is a great fit for you. If you don't try out, you could miss
 discovering a new passion. You never know!Â
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You might be great at it. What if you end up being an amazing cheerleader? You never know unless you try! Even if you've cheered before and aren't sure if it's something you really want to dedicate yourself to, a new team dynamic could bring out a different side of you and you could really excel.
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You'll make new friends. Teammates are the best friends you'll ever have. On the team, you'll have a second family that you won't be able to imagine living without. They could be lifelong friends.
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Cheerleading has health benefits. Staying active, working on your flexibility, having fun, and enjoying social interaction are all key elements of a healthy lifestyle. Cheerleading is good for your body, mind, and soul!Â
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You'll be more involved in your community. Being a cheerleader gives you a prominent role in your school. You'll be responsible for raising school spirit and supporting school teams, and you'll get to be a positive influence on your classmates through pep rallies, fundraisers, and other community events.
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Cheerleading teaches you valuable lessons. All sports can develop and solidify good habits and characteristics in athletes, but cheerleading does this to an even greater extent. Not only do you learn about  working hard, winning and losing, and sportsmanship, but you also focus a lot on helping other people, whether by raising spirit or giving back to your community.