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CHEER Fort Lauderdale is fun, welcoming, and community-focused, but cheerleading is still a team commitment.
As a member, you are committing to your teammates, your own growth, and our mission of giving back to the LGBTQ+ community. We ask every member to show up with positive energy, respect, communication, and a willingness to learn.
What to Expect
Practices
Performing members practice every Thursday from 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM, unless otherwise announced. Practices are where we build skills, learn choreography, prepare for events, and grow as a team.
Performances and Events
CHEER Fort Lauderdale participates in Pride celebrations, fundraisers, community events, local performances, and other opportunities throughout the season. Some events are mandatory, and others may be optional depending on the season’s schedule.
Team Commitment
Because cheerleading is a team sport, attendance and communication matter. Members are expected to stay informed, communicate schedule conflicts, support one another, and represent CHEER Fort Lauderdale with respect and professionalism.
Community Impact
Our team uses cheerleading, performance, fundraising, and community engagement to support organizations that help LGBTQ+ youth in need.
Full attendance, fundraising, uniform, safety, and team expectations are reviewed in the official CHEER Fort Lauderdale handbook after tryouts.
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CHEER Fort Lauderdale is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. We work hard to keep the season as affordable and transparent as possible for our members.
Instead of relying on constant random costs throughout the year, our season uses a structured fundraising model to help cover team expenses and support long-term sustainability.
New Performing MembersNew performing members are responsible for practice wear, uniform costs, and required team fundraisers.
Returning Performing Members
Returning members complete the required calendar fundraisers for the season.
What Fundraising Helps Cover
Fundraising helps support major team expenses such as parade registrations, choreography, photoshoots, banquet expenses, insurance, website costs, administrative tools, future team planning, and other operating needs.
Additional Costs
Gym tuition is paid separately by members and is not included in the fundraising totals.
Communication Matters
We understand that life happens. If a member is falling behind, needs more time, or has a personal situation come up, we ask that they communicate with leadership before deadlines so we can help find solutions.
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Performing Members
We hold official tryouts each summer, with Try It Clinics offered beforehand.
Try It Clinics are beginner-friendly practices where you can learn basic cheer skills, motions, stunts, dance elements, and get a feel for the CHEER Fort Lauderdale experience before tryouts.
During tryouts, you may be asked to demonstrate basic skills learned during clinics, participate in group activities, and complete a short interview so we can get to know you better.
Production Team Volunteers
Not interested in performing? You can still be part of our Sunny Family.
Production Team volunteers help behind the scenes with events, logistics, outreach, fundraising support, communication, and team operations. This is a great option for people who want to support the mission without performing.
Production Team volunteers may be accepted throughout the season on a case-by-case basis.
After Tryouts
Everyone selected to join CHEER Fort Lauderdale will receive the official team handbook, which outlines attendance, safety, fundraising, uniform, conduct, and team expectations in detail.
Join CHEER Fort Lauderdale and be part of something bigger than cheer.
Our team brings together cheerleading, dance, stunts, performance, friendship, service, and community pride.
Whether you’re brand new to cheer or ready to return to the mat, this is your chance to learn, grow, give back, stay active, and make friends who become family.
If you’re ready to bring positive energy, commitment, and pride to the community, we’d love to see you at Try It Clinics and Tryouts.
Requirements
Parade Team - The Heart of Cheer Fort Lauderdale
The Parade Team is the foundation of CHEER Fort Lauderdale and where new performing members begin. This team brings sunshine, spirit, and visibility to Pride events, fundraisers, festivals, local celebrations, and community performances throughout South Florida.
You do not need years of cheer experience to join. We welcome people with cheer, dance, gymnastics, performance, or athletic backgrounds, as well as anyone with positive energy, a willingness to learn, and a strong commitment to the team.
Parade Team members should be ready to participate in physical activity, attend Thursday night practices, communicate clearly, support teammates, and represent CHEER Fort Lauderdale with respect, professionalism, and pride.
Competition Team
For members who want to take their skills further, our Competition Team offers an optional opportunity to train, grow, and represent CHEER Fort Lauderdale on the cheer floor.
Competition Team members begin on the Parade Team first. From there, interested athletes may audition in a supportive, team-first environment. This program is designed for members who are ready for an extra challenge, additional practice time, and a stronger commitment to performance.
The Competition Team practices in addition to regular Thursday night team practices. Members should be prepared to work hard, stay consistent, communicate clearly, and support one another as we build a strong routine together.
Production Team - The Backbone of Cheer Fort Lauderdale
Not every role happens on the mat, and our Production Team is essential to making CHEER Fort Lauderdale successful.
Production Team members help with behind-the-scenes support, event logistics, outreach, communication, sponsorships, fundraising support, and keeping our team organized throughout the season.
This is a great fit for someone who wants to be part of our Sunny Family, support our mission, and help create impact without performing. Production Team volunteers should be dependable, organized, comfortable communicating by email or online platforms, and ready to represent CHEER Fort Lauderdale with pride and professionalism.
All Production Team volunteers must be at least 18 years old.
We’re so excited you’re interested in joining CHEER Fort Lauderdale!
Whether you’re brand new to cheer or ready to get back on the mat, this is your chance to learn, grow, give back, and find your Sunny Family.
Fill out the form below to learn more about our Try It Clinics and Tryouts.
