FAQs
FAQs
Q: HOW MANY TEAMS DOES NSE HAVE AND WHAT ARE THE GRADE LEVELS?
A: NSE typically fields teams of athletes in grades K-8. Teams are assembled based on enrollment and grade levels. In 2023 our teams were:
- K-2nd grade - Munchkins
- 3rd -5th grade - Juniors
- 6th -8th grade – Seniors
Q: DO YOU HAVE TRYOUTS?
A: NO! Athletes are placed on teams based on grade level for the fall school year.
Q: WHAT TYPE OF CHEER PROGRAM IS NSE
A: WE ARE a recreational competitive youth cheer organization and members of the Illinois Cheer Association (ICA).
NSE only participates in ICA sanctioned events and serve as a true feeder to local IHSA Cheer programs.
Q: HOW MUCH IS THE REGISTRATION FEE?
A: Team registration fees range from $450-$850 depending on grade/team level. Additional expenses for required uniform pieces and State Championship fee max out at around $350. Payment plans are available!
This is an expensive sport and we expect our families to make the right choice for their athlete. We will never allow finances to be a hinderance when a family makes an honest effort to honor their monetary commitments.
Q: WHEN ARE PAYMENTS DUE?
A: At the time of registration, you can pay in full for your team fees or pay a deposit and set up a payment plan.
Team registration fees are due by June 1.
Fees for Uniform Tops must be paid in full by July 1.
Fees for Uniform Accessories must be paid in full in by August 1.
Q: DO YOU OFFER ANY DISCOUNTS?
Households with multiple cheerleaders will receive a discount of $25. Proof of residency will be required.
Q: WHAT OTHER EXPENSES CAN I EXPECT?
A: Outside of the outlined team registration fee and uniform costs (Uniform top, spankies, shoes, warm up jacket), additional optional expenses include spirit wear, and lodging expenses for the State Championship weekend.
Q: WHAT IS THE FUNDRAISING REQUIREMENT?
A: Fundraising is a critical part of our success and allows us to keep family cost to a minimum. Our families are required to fully participate in all fundraising activities. We have approximately 3-4 events each season.
Athletes are required to attend and participate in:
- 1 tagging event
- 1 car wash shift
- Pancake Supper event
Families are required to sell at least 10 tickets to the Pancake Supper event. You have the option to pay $100 up front to forego selling tickets.
We also run a digital fundraiser each summer which provides an easy opportunity for athletes to raise funds to cover their State Championship fee as we raise the necessary funds to cover program operation expenses.
Q: WHAT KIND OF UNIFORM AND ACCESSORIES DO ATHLETES WEAR?
A: NSE Cheer athletes purchase an organization issued uniform top, spankies and shoes to keep. Skirts are issued on a rental basis to each athlete to wear during season and return upon the close of the season. Skirts that are not returned in good condition or are lost will incur a $50 fee.
Team bows are provided for summer camp, regular season and State Championship competitions.
Warm up jackets are purchased by each athlete and are a require part of their Competition Day attire. These jackets are exclusive to athletes and staff only and are NOT available for family and friends.
Q: HOW LONG IS THE SEASON?
A: The official season begins May 15th for our teams as we kick off practices. All teams will have a mandatory 2 week no contact period during the summer. Competitions begin in late August and conclude with the ICA State Championship November 14-17. The season officially ends at our End of Season Banquet December 10, 2023.
Q: HOW OFTEN WILL PRACTICES BE HELD AND WHERE WILL THEY BE?
A: NSE Cheer squads practice on 3-4 times a week depending on squad level and need.
Summer schedules include practices held on Sundays and 2-3 weeknights in addition to fundraisers and community performances.
Fall schedules include 4-5 competitions, typically held on Saturday or Sunday and practices 2-3 nights a week.
Practices are held at Zion New Tech High School.
Q: DOES NSE PARTICIPATE IN COMMUNITY EVENTS?
A: Yes, NSE Cheer will participate in community service projects, performances, parades, and more as scheduling permits. As a part of the NSE organization, all members will participate in these mission critical activities. Our goal is to train young athletes to be ELITE on the mat, in the classroom and the community.
Q: WHEN WILL THE SEASON SCHEDULE BE AVAILABLE?
A: The full season schedule is typically available in May and finalized in late June once we have received our final competition date assignments.
The schedule below is preliminary but is a great guide to plan ahead:
May 15 practices begin for all teams – 6pm New Tech High School Gym
June 2024 Summer Family Kick Off Picnic - typically held on a Sunday afternoon
Competition Weekends:
September 7-8, 2024 – CheerCago Hampshire High School Hampshire, IL
September 21-22, 2024 – Cheer Wishes – West Aurora High School Aurora, IL
October 5-6, 2024 - Cheer Pink - Dundee Crown High School Carpentersville, IL
October 19-20, 2024 – Final Fling – NIU Convocation Center Dekalb, IL
November 2, 2024 – Spirit Spooktactular – Huntley High School Huntley, IL
November 14-17, 2024 – ICA State Championship - NIU Convocation Center Dekalb, IL
December - End of Season Celebration – Final Date and Location TBA
Q: ARE THERE OPPORTUNITIES FOR PARENTS TO GET INVOLVED
A: NSE is a 100% volunteer organization and is always looking for people to get involved in becoming a part of our staff! Parents can also join any of our various committees. This is a great opportunity to be a part of the unforgettable experience your athletes will have.
We are honored that you and your athlete are considering joining the Elite Nation! We look forward to you getting to know us better and helping you make an informed decision regarding your athlete’s Cheer career.
WE ARE...ELITE
To remove this section, simply double-click the trash icon to the right.