Recently, my junior coach came in with a school project and wanted to interview me about cheerleading. I thought, why not record it and share it with you all? She asked a few questions, and I tried to squeeze in as much info as I could. Honestly, I could have talked for hours—it’s that kind of topic!
If you’ve got questions of your own—about stunts, tumbling, injuries, routines, or anything else—drop them in the comments or head over to the contact page. I’d love to know what you want me to dive deeper into in the world of cheerleading.
Here’s how our chat went.
Junior Coach: “What is cheerleading? How would you explain it to someone who’s never tried it?”
Me: “Cheerleading is an activity I hope you fall in love with if you give it a go. It’s all about teamwork—you’re working with other people to create this huge, visually amazing routine. There’s a mix of skills you’ll learn:
- Dance – It’s not just moving your arms; it’s precision, rhythm, and style.
- Gymnastics – Handstands, cartwheels, forward rolls. You’ll be amazed at what you can achieve.
- Stunts – Lifting each other, learning how to hold positions safely, trusting your team.
- Jumps – Power, timing, and expression all come together to make routines pop.
And the best part? You’re responsible for your own skills, which teaches focus, commitment, and confidence. Pulling everything together to create a full routine is challenging, but it’s also incredibly fun and rewarding.”
Junior Coach: “Why do you love cheerleading?”
Me: “There are so many reasons. Yes, it’s a sport with competitions, performances, and teamwork. But personally, I started coaching at 16—not as an athlete—and it’s been a wild ride.
What keeps me hooked:
- Constant challenge: The sport always evolves, so you’re never bored.
- Life skills: Loyalty, determination, grit, commitment—all things you carry into life off the mat.
- Community: Every week, you get to hang out with amazing people, watch young athletes grow, and be part of their journey.
Cheerleading has kept me consistent, engaged, and passionate for over two decades, and I love sharing those lessons with the next generation.”
Junior Coach: “What about injuries? Are they common?”
Me: “Ah, injuries… This is a topic we could talk about all day. But after 20+ years coaching, I really don’t see that many injuries in cheerleading. Most injuries kids have are from other sports or activities.
Within cheerleading, we follow strict procedures, warm-ups, and safety measures. Of course, stunts and tumbling carry their own risks, but proper coaching, supervision, and progressive skill development drastically reduce injuries. The stereotype that cheer is dangerous? Mostly just that—a stereotype.”
Junior Coach: “How did you start cheerleading?”
Me: “I started at 16 in England. My friends’ parents ran a youth charity program for boys—basketball, skateboarding, music—but there weren’t many programs for girls. So, they sent me and two friends away for a weekend course to learn coaching. That weekend changed everything. I started coaching from there, and I’ve never stopped since. Yes, that does make me feel ancient now!”
That school project? She got top marks, and I’m so proud to have helped.
This interview reminded me why I love sharing cheerleading—from coaching to writing books, from workshops to online content. If you’ve got more questions, send them through. I want to know what topics you want me to cover next.
Thanks for sticking with me through this chapter. I hope you found something useful—or at least cracked a smile. For more, check out my books or previews at The Cheerleader Book Club.
I’ll see you in the next Cheer Chapter!
Allison xx
