Vikings Cheerleaders  are part of the National Pop Warner Football Association.  Being members of the National Organization means adhering to specific rules and guidelines regarding practice times, scholastic requirements, and attire. No specific skills are required from cheerleaders. Though we welcome strong tumblers, a gymnastics background is certainly NOT a pre-requisite to cheer for the Vikings. Vikings coaches and coordinators are all volunteers who have attended training/certification courses and who have had background checks.

Vikings Cheerleaders and Football Players begin practice at the beginning of August. The 2011 season will kick off on Monday, August 1, the first day of practice. Practices are held 4-5 days per week in August. The first 2 weeks of practice are geared toward fulfilling the required 20 hours of conditioning. These initial practices are designed to build strength, endurance, flexibility, and friendships in order to prepare the squads for the upcoming season. Once school starts, practices will decrease to 2-3 nights per week. There will be one game per week, typically on Saturday or Sunday. There are 8 games in the regular season and playoff games post-season. Practices are generally scheduled in the early evening, between the hours of 5 and 8pm. However, times and schedules are subject to change depending on coaches and squad members’ availability. Cheerleaders work hard at practice, but they also have a fantastic time! Practices truly are fun!!

Vests and skirts are supplied by the Viking Organization. Cheerleaders are required to purchase a “sneaker package” to complete their uniform. The package consists of shoes, socks, bloomers, leotard, and a bow. Cost is approximately $75.00. Cheerleaders can either borrow or purchase warm-up suits. Girls who choose to purchase their warm-ups will have their names embroidered on the sleeve.  Borrowed warm-ups, vests, and skirts must be returned at the end of the season.

All cheerleaders will have a chance to show off their skills at the end of the season. The oldest squads, A, B and C, will enter a local competition in late October. Depending on their success, they may have the opportunity to move on to regional and national competitions as well.  The younger D and E squads  will perform at a local non-competitive exhibition. Exhibition is typically scheduled in early October . Exhibition and Competition are required events for all cheerleaders.

Parents are required to donate 5 hours volunteer time per season or have the option to “buyout” for $100. Volunteer opportunities include concession stand, team parent, coaching, apparel sales, and fundraising.

Please feel free to contact Cheer Coordinators with any questions regarding the program and check the website regularly for updated dates, information, and photos. Our contact information can be found on the Links page on this website.

             www.nmmvikings.org                                                     PO Box 560, Norfolk, MA  02056