Youth Cheerleaders Bring Home National Trophy from Florida

The Danvers Youth Football Cheerleading program won a National Championship for the first time in history at the 2013 National High School Cheerleading Competition in Disney.

“Thanks to the dedication and hard work of our cheerleaders and coaches Danvers Youth Football Cheerleading made history this year by placing first in competition and bringing home a national trophy taking our program to the next level,” said Cat Wolniewicz, Director and Board President.

Danvers had a great season this year having placed first for three of its cheerleading squads at the Ipswich Cheer for Cure on Oct. 27 at Ipswich High School. The E and D squad, now national champions, and the JVA squad moved on and placed at the New England Cheer and Dance Competition in Boston in November, which earned them an invitation to the National High School Cheerleading Competition in Orlando.

The National High School Cheerleading Championship is the most prestigious cheerleading championship in the country. The NHSCC is held at Walt Disney World and nationally televised on ESPN and ESPN2.

The competition took place on Feb. 9 and 10 at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Disney World and the U9 squad with a combination of 2nd, 3rd and 4th graders were awarded 4th place as National Champions for 2013.

Danvers U12 and U14 squads also advanced to the semifinals, performing their routines and did a great job showing their Danvers spirit.

The Danvers Youth Falcon Cheerleaders raised over $40,000 to offset the expenses for their trip thanks to the support of the community and many local businesses.

“We would also like to give a special thank you to the Danvers Recreation Department and the Thorpe School Principal and staff for use of their facilities outside of the normal season to prepare. Without their generosity and support we could not give these girls a safe place to practice on our competitive mats,” Wolniewicz said.

“This trophy is a tribute to the hard work and dedication from the cheerleaders and our program and will be on display at the Danvers Recreation Center as well as at various town schools,” said Wolniewicz.

Danvers Youth Football Cheerleading is a cheerleading program offering Recreational and Competitive instruction in cheers, dance, jumps, stunts and tumbling to children in grades 1-8. Cheerleaders registered in the regular DYFC Recreation program participate at the Danvers Youth Football games and attend summer practices. Cheerleaders interested in being considered for the DYFC competitive squads who are able to make the commitment to the rigorous program also participate at Danvers Youth Football Games and attend summer and fall practices preparing for the CAYFL Competitions and other local and regional competitions. Cheerleaders at all ages are assessed and placed at their grade level and skill for Recreation and Competition squads.