Sideline Cheer

Program Overview

Our AYF Sideline Cheer Program provides young athletes the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of cheerleading while supporting our football teams in a fun, energetic, and team-oriented environment. Following American Youth Football (AYF) guidelines, the program emphasizes teamwork, confidence, school spirit, and age-appropriate skill development.

Sideline Cheer is designed for participants of all experience levels and focuses on building a strong foundation in cheer basics while creating a positive and inclusive experience.


Age Divisions

The AYF Sideline Cheer Program is organized by age to align with football divisions and ensure appropriate instruction.

Typical divisions may include:

  • D6 Sideline Cheer – Introduction to cheer motions, chants, and teamwork; Ages 4-6
  • D8 Sideline Cheer – Continued skill development with structured routines; Ages 5-8
  • D10 Sideline Cheer – Expanded motions, formations, and game-day participation; Ages 7-10
  • D12 Sideline Cheer – Advanced sideline skills and leadership development; Ages 9-12

Age group offerings may vary based on registration numbers and AYF guidelines.


Program Focus & Development

Sideline Cheer emphasizes development, participation, and confidence-building. Athletes will learn:

  • Basic cheer motions and terminology
  • Age-appropriate chants and cheers
  • Sideline formations and game-day etiquette
  • Teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship

All routines and activities are designed to be non-competitive, focusing on learning and fun rather than performance rankings.


Coaches & Volunteers

Our Sideline Cheer teams are led by volunteer coaches who are committed to providing a positive and encouraging experience.

All coaches are required to:

  • Complete background checks
  • Follow AYF cheer guidelines and safety standards
  • Adhere to league codes of conduct

Parents and guardians are encouraged to volunteer as cheer coaches or team helpers to support the program.


Practice & Game Schedule

  • Practices: Typically held 4 times per week (fewer for younger age groups). Athletes are expected to arrive early and ready to start promptly.
  • Game Days: Cheerleaders attend weekend football games, varying between Saturdays and Sundays.

Practice schedules and game assignments will be shared once the governing Jersey Shore Board establishes it, typically mid-August. All cheerleaders are expected to attend all games-rain or shine! Attendance and availability should be communicated to coaches each week.


Uniforms & Equipment

Provided by the Program:

  • Game Day Uniform
  • Game Day Bow
  • Pink Bow for October Games
  • Sweats for cold weather games
  • Pom Poms

Required from Families:

  • Cheer shoes or athletic shoes
  • Practice attire (schedule below)

Practice Wear Schedule:

  • MONDAYS: Maroon Top & Black Bottoms
  • TUESDAYS: Black Tee with Maroon or Grey Bottoms
  • WEDNESDAYS: ON WEDNESDAYS WE WEAR PINK! Any combination of pink and team colors welcome!
  • THURSDAYS: Any Bucs tee and Black Bottoms

There are firm guidelines around practice wear: fitted clothing, nothing baggy; ATHLETIC sneakers only, NO JEWELRY, NO long nails, no gum and hair must be pulled back from the face.


Safety Guidelines

Athlete safety is a top priority. Sideline Cheer follows AYF safety standards:

  • No stunting or tumbling beyond age-appropriate allowances
  • No competitive routines
  • Emphasis on proper warm-ups and stretching

Coaches ensure all activities are appropriate for the age and experience level of participants.


Registration Information

Online registration includes league fees, AYF insurance, field access, and administrative expenses.

  • Early registration is encouraged to support team assignments
  • Late registration may be accepted based on availability
  • Payment plans and financial assistance available

Specific dates, fees, and deadlines will be posted on the registration page.



Code of Conduct

All cheer participants, coaches, and spectators are expected to uphold a positive and respectful environment. Unsportsmanlike behavior or inappropriate sideline conduct will not be tolerated. Our goal is to create a supportive atmosphere that reflects good sportsmanship and community pride.


Contact Information

For questions about the AYF Sideline Cheer Program, registration, or volunteering, please contact our cheer coordinator, Courtney Borelli, at cheer.redbankayf@gmail.com, or visit our Contact Us page!