Starting Your Own Cheer Program: Tips, Checklist & Real Talk from Life on the Mat

Hey, are you ready to open the next chapter? I’m Alison Satton, and after 20 years in the cheerleading industry—and somehow becoming an author along the way—I’m here to give it to you straight: no fluff, just useful tips, and all the perks from life on the mat and in my books.

Whether you’re folding laundry, driving, or just trying to survive your week, grab your coffee (or your jug of water) and let’s turn the page together. Today’s cheer chapter is all about setting up your own cheer program and the checklist you need to make it happen.

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Why Start a Cheer Program?

If you’re watching this, chances are you’re thinking about starting your own cheer program or gym. Before diving into logistics, the first question you need to ask yourself is simple but crucial: why do you want to do this?

• Are you looking to grow cheer in your community?
• Do you want to create opportunities for young athletes?
• Are you ready for the commitment it takes to run a program that could take up your seven days a week?

Knowing your “why” will guide every other decision you make. Once you’re clear on that, you can start thinking about what support you’ll need.

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Support Systems & Business Mentorship

Cheerleading isn’t just a sport—it’s a business. From grants to insurance, you’ll be navigating the same terrain as any small business owner.

Consider:

• Business mentor: If you’re not highly experienced, this is a must. A mentor can save you time, money, and stress.
• Family & personal commitments: How will this business fit into your life? Are your loved ones supportive, or will you need to create boundaries around your time?

The decisions you make early on can make or break your program, so having a mentor and a strong support system is invaluable.

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Location & Market Research

Where you operate your program is just as important as why you’re doing it. Ask yourself:

• Is there a market for cheerleading in your area?
• Are there existing programs? If so, are they competitive, recreational, or partially focused on other activities like dance or gymnastics?
• How can you introduce cheer to your community if it’s a new sport? Open days, school programs, and community events are key ways to grow your athlete base.

Once you know your market, you can decide on a facility—community halls, schools, gyms, or even outdoor spaces. Consider:

• Safety & height restrictions for stunts
• Parking, accessibility, and amenities
• Budget constraints (leasing vs. renting vs. building)

Start small and sensible. You don’t need your dream gym on day one—grow with your athletes.

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Budgeting & Legalities

Running a cheer program comes with a long list of expenses. Think about:

• Startup costs: leases, insurance, mats, equipment, branding, website
• Operational costs: staff, admin, athlete tracking, payment systems
• Legal requirements: business registration, OH&S, public liability, accidental injury insurance

Plan these in a spreadsheet. Seriously—spreadsheet everything. Doing the research upfront prevents financial surprises later.

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Program Structure & Systems

Next, map out your program:

• Age groups & levels
• Recreational vs. competitive teams
• Optional classes: tumbling, stunting, dance, pom
• Staff & junior coach programs
• Booking, payment, and communication systems

Think about your culture, mission, and gym values—these define the atmosphere and attract the right families and athletes.

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Metrics & Growth

Once your program is running, track:

• Retention rates
• Growth targets
• Operational efficiency
• Athlete skill progression

A clear plan and metrics help you make informed decisions and adjust strategies as your program grows.

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Final Thoughts

Starting a cheer program isn’t just about creating a logo or opening a Facebook page. It’s about careful planning, budgeting, mentoring, and building a structure that can grow sustainably.

From my own experience, having a business mentor and keeping operational costs realistic has made all the difference. You don’t need expensive subscriptions, fancy software, or high-end facilities to start—you need clear goals, a sensible plan, and a passion for helping your athletes grow.

If you have questions or want to chat further, reach out through the contact page or leave a comment. I hope this chapter gave you something useful—or at least a little inspiration.

Here’s to building something amazing on the mat!

See you in the next cheer chapter!

Allison xx

If you’d like to explore more — books, downloads, or tools I personally use — you’ll find everything below. Some links are affiliates and help support the blog at no extra cost to you. I only share things I genuinely use or recommend. Content on this website is shared for informational and entertainment purposes only and does not replace professional advice. Please seek appropriate qualifications or professional guidance for coaching, training, business, or financial decisions.

Allison xx