Behind Team Tryouts: Elodie’s First Cheerleading Journey

Team Tryouts is where the Cheer Diaries story begins.

It’s our first introduction to Infinity Cheer Academy, the Comets and the group of young cheerleaders we follow throughout the series. But most importantly, it’s where we meet Elodie.

And Elodie is nervous.

She desperately wants to try cheerleading, but walking into her first team tryouts is a very big step. She hasn’t done cheer before, she takes a while to come out of her shell and the skills don’t necessarily come naturally to her.

That’s exactly why I wanted her to begin the series.

A Cheerleading Character for Nervous Beginners

Not every child walks into a new sport feeling completely confident.

Some children hang back. Some worry about getting things wrong. Some need more time to find their voice—and some love an activity even when they aren’t instantly the best at it.

Elodie really wants to join in and do well, but she has to work through all the nerves that come with being a beginner. She practises, keeps trying and slowly begins finding her place.

Team Tryouts follows her through the emotions of attending cheer tryouts, being placed on a team and getting to know the people who will share this new adventure with her. Of course, there are also plenty of mistakes, mix-ups and funny moments along the way.

I’ve been told that children have genuinely laughed out loud while reading this book, which might be one of my favourite pieces of feedback ever.

Bringing Real All-Star Cheerleading Into the Story

After spending more than 20 years in the cheerleading world, it was important to me that the Cheer Diaries series felt familiar to children who are already involved in the sport.

Team Tryouts includes real cheer terminology, drills, music and some of the little traditions that make all-star cheer so much fun—including a team name reveal.

Young cheerleaders can recognise parts of their own season in the story, while children who have never tried cheerleading can discover what being part of a team might actually feel like.

It isn’t only about learning the skills. It’s about meeting new people, finding your place, experiencing the excitement of a team reveal and gradually feeling like you belong.

One Team, One Season and Different Perspectives

The Cheer Diaries books follow one all-star cheerleading team through a complete season.

Each book explores a different part of that journey, but it is told through the diary of a different character. This means readers get to experience the same team through several very different personalities and perspectives.

Team Tryouts is written by Elodie. As the season continues, other members of the team take over the diary and share what is happening from their point of view.

The characters don’t always experience events in the same way. Something one child barely notices might feel enormous to somebody else. I love being able to explore those differences while continuing the bigger story of the team.

Why Elodie Had to Go First

Elodie was the right character to open the Cheer Diaries series because she allows readers to enter the cheerleading world alongside her.

She doesn’t already know everything. She has questions, gets nervous and makes mistakes. Readers can learn about all-star cheer as Elodie does, without feeling as though they are expected to understand it all from the beginning.

Her journey is also an important reminder that you don’t have to be naturally confident—or naturally brilliant at something—to enjoy it.

Sometimes, being brave simply means showing up, joining in and trying again.

More Than the Final Page

Each Cheer Diaries book includes extra pages written in the character’s voice, with final thoughts and activities that continue the experience beyond the story.

Readers can also visit The Secret Book Club to find printable activities, colouring sheets and character extras. The password is hidden at the back of every Cheer Diaries book.

If you have already read Team Tryouts, I would love to know what you thought of Elodie. Did any part of her first cheerleading experience remind you of yourself—or a young cheerleader you know?

You can discover Team Tryouts and the rest of the Cheer Diaries series at The Cheerleader Book Club.

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Allison xx