There are at least six million cheerleaders across 38 countries world-wide. Squads are supporting sports teams and schools in :- America; Australia; Austria; Balarus; Belgium; Brazil; Canada; Chile; Columbia; Costa Rica; Cuba; Czech Republic; Denmark; England; Finland; France; Germany; Ireland; Italy; Japan; Luxembourg; Malaysia; Mexico; Netherlands; New Zealand; Norway; Panama; Poland; Russia; Scotland; Singapore; Slovenia; South Africa; Spain; Sweden; Switzerland; Ukraine and Wales.
A Century Of Cheerleading
Cheerleading is almost 100 years old! Johnny Campbell lead the first cheerleaders at a Minnesota University American football game on November 2, 1898. Originally cheerleaders were all men. It was not until the 1920's that women became involved. Paper poms were introduced in the 1930's and the modern vinyl pom was invented by Fred Gastoff around 1965.
Cheerleaders Are Athletes
Cheerleading involves cheers, chants, jumps, dance, tumbling, gymnastics, partner stunts and pyramid building. Cheerleaders are not just dance entertainers at games, they have to master difficult and demanding athletic techniques and be effective crowd leaders, often training longer hours than the players they cheer for. During a typical gridiron game players may get breaks, but cheerleaders go flat out for three and a half hours in all weathers.
Famous Cheerleaders
Many famous and talented people were cheerleaders. Former US President Dwight D. Eisenhower; actors Jimmy Stewart and Kirk Douglas; actresses Meyrl Streep, Raquel Welch, Cybil Sheppard and Terri Hatcher.
Competitive Cheerleading
Already accepted as an athletic discipline in its own right in many countries, international cheerleading championships have up to 210 squads competing and attract over 12,000 cheerleaders family and friends. Some are televised on Prime Time sports channels. With a regular schedule of regional state and national competitions across America cheerleading could arguably be considered a fully fledged sport.
Cheerleading 'Stats up
97% of all cheerleaders are female, however almost 50% of collegiate cheerleaders are male. 12% of cheerleaders are aged 5 to 13 years, and 12% are dancers. The largest growth area is Juniors. 83% in school squads hold leadership positions in school organisations, and 83% have 'B' grades or better. 62% are involved in a second sport. (American Sports Data Inc.)
