Cheerleading is a sport that combines gymnastics, dance, and teamwork. Athletes perform routines that include stunts (lifting and throwing teammates), jumps, tumbling, and choreography — all scored in competition. It requires strength, flexibility, coordination, and serious team chemistry.

Yes. Cheerleading is officially recognised as a sport by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) through the International Cheer Union (ICU). Athletes train year-round, follow structured skill levels, and compete at national and international championships — including the ICU World Cheerleading Championships.

Absolutely. No prior experience in cheerleading, gymnastics, or dance is required. We work with athletes at all skill levels and teach everything from the ground up. What matters most is your energy, attitude, and willingness to be coached.

Yes — and honestly, coachability matters more than natural coordination. Athletes who absorb feedback quickly and show up consistently tend to progress faster than those who rely on raw talent alone. Spirit and work ethic are things we can build a team around. Coordination is a skill — we train it.

Yes. Many of our athletes started as university students with zero gymnastics or dance background. There is no age that is “too late” to start — especially if you are athletic and ready to commit. UM Cheerleading is a university team and everyone here started somewhere.

100%. Cheerleading is a co-ed sport. Male athletes are a key part of competitive teams — especially in stunting, where strength and technique are critical for lifting and basing. At UM Cheerleading, everyone is welcome regardless of gender.

Absolutely. If you have cheerleading experience — even recreational — you already understand the culture, the trust involved, and the commitment required. That foundation is valuable. You will still go through tryouts and be placed in the team that fits your current level, but prior cheer background is always a positive.

More than you might think. Any competitive athletic background — gymnastics, acrobatics, swimming, martial arts, football, volleyball — builds body awareness, discipline, and physical conditioning that translate directly to cheerleading. Coaches take your full athletic history into account during tryouts, not just cheer-specific skills.

If you are unsure, select “Not sure yet” on the interest form. During tryouts, coaches evaluate all athletes and recommend the best fit based on your skills, energy, and potential. You do not need to decide in advance — just show up and let us place you.

Warriors is a co-ed competitive cheerleading team focused on stunts, tumbling, and full routines. Sirens is a Pom Dance team that competes nationally in choreographed dance routines. Both are beginner-friendly. If you love the athletic and acrobatic side → Warriors. If you love performance and movement → Sirens. Still unsure? Apply to both and coaches will decide with you.

Royals merged into Legends for the 2026/27 season. Athletes seeking UM Cheerleading’s top competitive level should apply to Legends.

UM Cheerleading is open to enrolled university students only. For younger athletes and children, we work with Infernos Athletics — a dedicated youth cheerleading team in the region. Reach out to us and we will connect you directly.

Flyer — the athlete in the air.
Base — athletes who lift and support the flyer.
Back Spot — stabilises from behind.
Front Spot — adds safety and control at the front. Teams also include
Tumblers who anchor the floor elements of the routine.

Cheerleading uses skill levels 1–7 that define the difficulty of stunts, tumbling, and pyramids a team can perform. Level 1 is entry-level, Level 7 is elite. Teams compete within their certified level, which keeps competition fair and safe.

Teams perform a 2.5-minute routine scored on stunts, pyramids, tosses, jumps, tumbling, motion technique, dance, and overall performance. Teams compete within their division by age, gender, and level. The highest-scoring team wins their division.

Like any sport, it carries risk — but those risks are managed through proper coaching, progressive skill development, and strict safety protocols. At UM Cheerleading, skills are only attempted when athletes are physically and technically ready. ICU-standardised rulebooks have made the sport significantly safer over the years.

Costs vary by team and season — membership fees, uniform costs, competition entry fees, and occasionally travel are involved. We are transparent about what each season requires. Reach out to us directly for a breakdown specific to your team of interest.

Competitive teams typically train 2–4 times per week plus competition days. Intensity increases leading up to major events. Attendance at every training is important — cheerleading is a team sport and your presence directly affects your teammates’ ability to train safely.

You must be enrolled at Maastricht University or a partner institution and hold a valid UM Sports membership. All teams communicate primarily in English — our athletes come from all over the world.