HF United competitive cheer is for girls and boys ages 5-14. All registered athletes may participate (no try-outs required).

Competition teams compete in the American Youth Cheer League (AYC). One of the largest youth cheer tournaments in the world with over 240 teams competing at the national level.

Team placement is determined by a combination of age, number of registered participants and skill level, which is created at the discretion of the cheer directors. 

*Athletes must be age 5 prior to July 1st.

Registration Fees for Fall 2026 Competitive Season (opens February 1st):

This season Competition only (participant can sign up for competition without participating in sideline)

• Regular Registration (ends May 31, 2026) - $1,200 with $250 deposit
• Late Registration (ends July 31, 2026) - $1250 with $625 deposit

Sideline and Competition Cheer combined

• Early Bird Registrations (ends February 15, 2026) - $1450 with $250 deposit
• Regular Registration (ends May 31, 2026) - $1450 with varying deposit (between $300 and $400)
• Late Registration (ends July 31, 2026) - $1250 with $625 deposit

(All deposits are non-refundable and no refunds will be granted after June 1, 2026)

Payment plans and multi-participant discounts are available. (10% off for each additional participant)

*Note: There is an additional processing fee added at time of registration. There is also a credit/debit card processing fee if chosen as the payment method. There is an option for ACH payments to avoid the additional fee.

Each athlete must attend an in-person sizing to get fitted for their uniform and shoes. All in person sizing dates and times will be listed in the calendar as well as communicated via email. If an athlete is not able to attend an in person sizing date a uniform that is available in the closest size will be provided.

Registration fees include the following items:

• New Competition uniform
• Practice uniform
• White competition cheer shoe
• Competition bow
• Cheer hoodie
• Warm up pants and jacket
• Cheer bag
• Team shirt
• 4 months of tumbling (June through September)
• Team outing 
• Competition fees (3 competitions)
• Travel fee (will be refunded if team doesn’t advance to AYC nationals) which includes:
• AYC private event night out
• National shirt 

Three (3) competitions guaranteed but possibility of up to five (5)

• Battle of the Best 
• Local competition (60 min travel time max)
• Usually the 2nd Sunday in October 
• AYC Conference
• Local competition (60 min travel time max)
• Usually the 3rd Sunday in October 
• Teams who place top 3 advance to AYC regionals 
• AYC Regionals
• Possible light travel (host location could be Ohio, Detroit, Kentucky, or Illinois)
• Families are required to be at host location a day prior
• Parents are responsible for travel and lodging expenses
• Usually 2^nd Sunday in Nov. 
• Teams who place top 3 advance to AYC nationals 
• Rock the City
• Local Competition (60 min travel time max)
• Usually the Sunday before Thanksgiving 
• AYC Nationals
• Travel required (host location will be in Kissimmee, Florida)
• Parents are responsible for travel and lodging expenses
• Usually the 1^st week in Dec. 
• Team will compete in their division must place top 5 to make it to day 2.
• 6 day stay required 
• Play to stay (families must stay in lodging required by AYC)   

• Practices are outside at Apollo Park during warmer climate. Once weather gets colder cheer will move to an indoor facility. Indoor location is subject to availability. Practice Schedule will be provided at the start of season.
• Practices schedule 
• Competition only will be 1 day a week in July and 2 days per week beginning August 1st.
• Mat practice is always added the weekend or day before a competition
• The week of competition there will be an additional mandatory practice added the Saturday before
• Travel is required.

• All athletes MUST submit a birth certificate, a copy of sports physical dated after 1/1/2026, and all competition paperwork by August 4th in person.
• Failure to provide these documents by the due date will result in your athlete being held from practice until documentation is received.
• All athletes MUST have an IL State ID to participate in Competition.
• Each athlete MUST fundraise a minimum of $100. Fundraising money goes toward items such as paying for practice and game facilities, referee fees, reconditioning equipment, replacing equipment, end of season banquet, etc. All money is reinvested back into the organization. There is a fundraiser buyout option of $100. If buyout option is selected, it must be paid in full at the time of registration.
• Each athlete's family MUST complete 1 volunteer job (equals approximately 2 hours) during the season per registered athlete. The volunteer job can be completed by a family member age 16 and older. Sign up for volunteer jobs will be provided at the start of the season. There is a volunteer buyout option of $250. If buyout option is selected, it must be paid in full at the time of registration.
• We encourage a high level of communication between coaches and parents regarding concerns related to cheer, academics, behavior, etc.