WHO WE ARE
We are not just pom poms and cheering on sidelines — we are the sports team.
UM Cheerleading is Maastricht University’s official cheerleading sports association,
competing at national and international level since 2012.
Our Mission
MORE THAN A SPORT
Many people think cheerleading is purely pom poms and cheering on sports teams. At UM Cheerleading, we want to change that perception — because we are the sports team.
We offer three distinct forms of cheer: Side-line Performance, Competitive Pom Dance, and Level 2–4 Competitive Cheerleading. Competitive cheer is a high-paced combination of tumbling, dance and stunting — sharp routines packed with acrobatics, precise synchronisation and fierce athleticism.
Founded in 2012 as a small group of dance-passionate friends, we have grown into a thriving association of 120+ athletes across five teams, competing nationally and internationally while building a community that goes far beyond the gym.
By the numbers
UM CHEERLEADING IN NUMBERS
YEAR FOUNDED
2012
ACTIVE TEAMS
4
ATHLETE
+120
DUTCH NATIONAL CHAMPIONS
4x
SEASONS
13
What we offer
THREE FORMS OF CHEER
A team and a discipline for every athlete — from complete beginners to elite competitors.
COMPETITIVE CHEER
Level 2–4 competitive cheerleading. Tumbling, stunting, pyramids and dance combined in high-intensity routines. Competing at Dutch Nationals and international events.
SIDE-LINE PERFORMANCE
Side-line cheerleading at UM events and MVV Maastricht football matches. No competition required — perfect for beginners who want to perform and be part of the family.
COMPETITIVE POM DANCE
A completely distinct discipline focused on precision choreography, expressive movement and synchronised pom dance. No stunts or tumbling — pure dance performance at national level.
Our Story
FROM FRIENDS TO CHAMPIONS
It all started in 2012. Laura Rolfsen and Nadja Krott gathered a group of dance-passionate friends at a local sports club in Maastricht. There was no formal technique, no uniforms, and no budget — just enthusiasm, a sports hall, and a desire to compete. They performed at their very first competition, WHU Euromasters, and the seed was planted.
Season by season, the association grew. First tryouts in 2013. First major trophy — 1st place at Euromasters — in 2014. The first non-SBE members joined, expanding beyond a single faculty. New uniforms, new competitions, new levels.
In 2016 UM Cheerleading became an official UM Sports association. With two competitive teams now established, the results followed: Dutch National Champions in 2017, 2018 and 2019. A European Championship appearance in Athens. And then — in the 2023/24 season — the greatest result in the association’s history: Dutch National Champions AND Grand National Champions in the same year.
Today, five teams strong, with partnerships with MVV Maastricht and sponsors across the region, UM Cheerleading is one of the most decorated student sports associations in the Netherlands.
READY TO JOIN THE FAMILY ?
Tryouts are held every September. Five teams, every level — from
complete beginner to national competitor.