Herndon Optimist Youth Cheerleading (HOYC) is a recreational/development program for children 5 - 14 years old. The program provides a rewarding and fun experience with an emphasis on both teamwork and individual accomplishment. Cheerleading requires stamina, concentration, and regular practice as a team. Throughout the season, your child will learn cheerleading fundamentals, sportsmanship, leadership and teamwork appropriate for each age level. 

Participation:

HOYC is open to boys and girls, ages 5-14. Players must be at least 5 years old and no more than 14 years old as of October 1.

League Schedule:
 

HOYC cheerleaders participate in National Night Out the first Tuesday in August at a Herndon area park.

HOYC team practices begin the week FCPS starts the school year. Practices are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6-7:30pm at the Herndon Middle School field or in a Herndon area school gym.

New this season: HOYC cheerleaders will receive cheer training at Phoenix Elite located in Chantilly, VA one day a week every other week starting in September. The specific day of the week and time will be communicated to parents/guardians once the season starts.

HOYC cheerleaders cheer with the Herndon High School cheerleaders at home football games on Thursday or Friday nights starting in late August through mid-November. In addition, they may also cheer at elementary-middle school tackle or flag football games which begin in mid-September and end mid-November and are held on Saturdays between 8am-6pm at Herndon or Reston school sports fields. 

The season concludes no later than mid-November.

League Structure:

Depending on the number of cheerleaders registering, there may be more than one cheer squad. 

We will do our best to place cheerleader siblings together on the same team and cheerleaders on a squad that cheers for their football sibling's team. Please indicate in the registration whether the cheerleader has a sibling playing football. 

Requests to be placed with friends or specific coaches will be considered on a case-by-case basis and honored at the discretion of the Commissioner to ensure proper age placement and balance of squads. If you have a special request, arrange a time to explain your special request to the Cheer Commissioner by using the "Contact Us" menu option on the home page.