Competition Cheerleading FAQs

  • When do schedules come out?

    Approximately two weeks before the start of the season.

  • Where are the games/practices held?

    Fairfax County issues permits to SYA to use facilities in the Centreville/Clifton area. Typically a team will practice at the same facility each week with varying locations for weekend games.

  • When do I get notified about my child’s coach/practices/games?

    Notification of schedules/locations/times will be sent out 1-2 weeks prior to the start of the season (as determined by when we receive permits).

  • How will I be notified?

    Mobile app, email, etc.

  • What scholarship/financial aid information is available?

    SYA offers scholarships to all SYA participants of all recreational sports who qualify under the Fairfax County Neighborhood and Community Services program. To learn more about SYA scholarships, click here.

  • Where are competitions held for SYA Extreme?

    Extreme competitive cheer teams primarily attend competitions in Maryland and Virginia. They may also travel to other states (e.g., Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Florida, New Jersey) for special end-of-season competitions if they win bids to attend.

  • Can siblings compete on the same SYA Extreme team?

    Age restrictions apply to certain competitive cheer teams depending on the team level. Age guidelines are published annually in May/June. If siblings are at the same skill level and age-appropriate, they may be placed on the same team, but this is not guaranteed.

  • Can my child be on the same competitive cheer team as a friend?

    Possibly. Age restrictions and skill levels determine team placements. Guidelines are published annually in May/June. If friends meet the same skill and age requirements, they may be placed on the same team, but this is not guaranteed. Teams are limited to 36 athletes.

  • Are practices mandatory?

    Yes. Missing practice impacts the team, the individual cheerleader, and their stunt group. Absentees must catch up on missed skills and learn new ones, which can require extra effort from coaches and teammates.

  • When and where are practices held?

    Extreme competitive cheer teams practice at our SYA gym facility in Chantilly, VA. Each team practices one weekday for 90 minutes and once on the weekend for two hours. Additional practices may be scheduled as needed. Weekday practices can start as early as 5:30 pm and end by 9 pm. Weekend practices can start as early as 9 am.

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