Where It All Starts

Just like any athlete, children typically begin participating in sports at a young age. This is when they are free to experiment with a whole bunch of different activities, and this is typically when they begin to develop a certain connection with some sports over others. This opportunity is available for cheerleaders too, and this is what happened to me. I began to participate in cheerleading at the youth level, and was involved in an organization called pop warner.  Pop Warner is one of the many organizations for youth cheerleaders, they typically provide football and cheerleading teams based on age, which ranges from age 6- 13. These organizations provide the starting foundation for all future cheerleaders. This is where young children learn the foundations of cheerleading and where they can figure out if this is for them or not. This is why cheerleading at a youth age is crucial. Youth cheerleaders should begin to experience being involved on a team, and a being apart of an athletic community. This time should be an experience they want to remember, and one they can enjoy. Today there are more than 180,000 members involved in the pop warner cheerleading organization.  Pop warner is a fantastic organization that is currently in 42 states and 7 countries. Also pop warner does not restrict the opportunity to any member, there are no try outs required for pop warner members which i believe would be less stressful for the youth members. This makes it possible for every participant to be a part of the team. The goal for the pop warner organization is to create an organized and safe environment for children. They want to be able to provide fun and encourage the development of good qualities within children. I think that the pop warner organization is beneficial to its' members. Pop warner introduces children to the value of competition, and also teaches them the responsibilities that go along with the participation of sports. Pop Warner is also the only organization where they reward their participants for doing well academically. Just like the other levels of cheerleading, pop warner participants have their own specific rules in which each member is required to follow.
Pop Warner helps acclimate children into the athletic community, it sets the stage for the future athletes.
My pop warner experience opened up a new world for me, I had begun pop warner at a young age, then after moving towns I decided to not join pop warner right away. At a young age I was unsure how it would be from going from one pop warner team to another, or if I would like it as much. I stopped doing cheerleading for two years, then I started participating in Tae Kwon Doe. After two years of Taw Kwon Doe I unfortunately found out that I was in the third stage of lyme disease, and began getting tired more easily then normal. Soon I had to stop athletic activity for a while, when I finally felt like my body had the strength to start partaking in athletic activities again I decided to join my new towns pop warner program. I instantly fell back in love with the sport of cheerleading. Since then I have continued to participate in cheerleading all throughout high school. While participating in pop warner, I developed a new mentality. I was more positive and involved in not only cheerleading but in other events offered to participants of the pop warner organization. I made friendships with people that I am still friends with today, and the pop warner days are now our good ole days. Pop warner was a great part of my childhood, it gave me my own sense of independence. I felt like I had more responsibilities when being apart of a an organization, and it made me stride to be the best me.
I personally think being involved in such activities at a young age is better preparation for the future, and a future is what every child needs.