Cheerleading has evolved tremendously from an almost “side-lined” activity accompanying college-related sporting events to a highly physical “stand-alone” competitive sport. It is one of the most popular forms of extracurricular activity for young boys and girls to imbibe in them the love for sports, and fitness, as well as help them develop confidence and mental toughness to lead in life as they grow. 

Various cheerleading gyms or companies across the United States today offer different programs for different age ranges.  In this article, we look at three (3) of the popular cheerleading gyms in North Virginia: The Stingray Allstars VA (Manassas), Virginia Royalty Athletics, and Phoenix Elite Cheer; to explore who they are, what they do, their pricing rates and benefits of choosing each one of them.

The Stingray Allstars VA (Manassas)

History/Bio: 

The Stingray Allstars is a year-round, competitive cheerleading and dance organization serving the “best of the best” in Northern Virginia. Our program offers competitive All Girl and Co-Ed teams and non-competitive cheer and dance classes. We have by far the most experienced and qualified coaching staff in the Northern Virginia area. At Stingrays, we don’t just train our athletes to be strong cheerleaders and dancers, we encourage them to be strong leaders for their communities. Our mission is to create a structured environment where dedication, motivation, and determination are embodied in the spirit of a winning team. We pride ourselves on setting high standards for our athletes, coaches, and parents. We stress the importance of utilizing talent to the fullest potential so that every athlete has the opportunity to become part of our successful family. As individuals, we will set high expectations to succeed over our competitors.

Ages: 

There are four main age groups:

• Less than 5 years 
• 5 – 9 years
• 10 – 14 years
• 15 – 18 years

Programs, Offers, and Pricing: 

• Cheer class (14 days): Youth/Senior = $60, Mini = $45. 
• Tumble/Flex/Jump = $14 (walk-in hourly class, run for 14 days). 
• Open gym (2 & half hours) = $15 (non-team members). 
• Private lessons (Tumbling, Jumps, & Stretching) = $35 (30 minutes). 
• Choreography, Coaches Training, Field Trips, Gym Rental, Team Training, etc. are all available at custom prices upon request.

Benefits:  

Cheer classes do not require attending competitions or purchasing uniforms. Youth/Junior Cheer: Basic to intermediate skills will be taught based on proper progressions for tumbling, stunting, baskets, motions, jumps, cheers & dances, in a safe and age-appropriate manner. Mini Cheer: Introduction to cheer fundamentals.  Basic skills will be taught based on proper progressions.  Stunt education, jumps, motions, and more in a safe and age-appropriate environment. Stunt: A stunt group is provided for athletes to learn and develop beginner through advanced partner stunt and basket toss skills.  The class will stress safety, consistency, proper timing, body positions, skill progression, transitions, and dismounts.  Skill-specific drills and stretching are provided to reinforce learning and promote greater flexibility.  This class is designed for those who want to learn to fly, base, or back spot. This class is limited by season and is not held year-round.  If it is not listed, it is not being held.

Rating and Feedback:

Virginia Royalty Athletics:

History/Bio: 

VIrginia Royalty Athletic’s goal is to leave a lasting impact on the lives of each of our athletes by teaching hard work, dedication, structure, and discipline.

Being two of Virginia’s most decorated coaches, we believe our passion for cheerleading is second to none. We’ve helped hundreds of athletes achieve their cheerleading dreams. You can be next!

It is a little confusing at first since there is no sign that says Virginia Royalty Athletics. See below for the sign to look for.

Ages: 

No specific age groups were provided.

Programs, Offers, and Pricing: 

TYPE	4 Trip Pass	8 Trip Pass	12 Trip Pass	Unlimited Pass	Tumbling Pass	Beginner/ Intermediate Stunt Class	Advanced Stunt Class
DETAILS	Non-Members: $80 Members: $60	Non-Members: $120 Members: $100	Non-Members: $140 Members: $120	1 Month Unlimited Tumbling Pass: $150	Drop-In: $25	1 Month Stunt Class: $115 Drop-In: $30	1 Month Stunt Class: $115 Drop-In: $30

Passes expire 6 months from the date of purchase!

Benefits:  

Fundamentals is a class designed for beginners who need to master basic tumbling skills before moving on to our Handsprings Class. The following skills need to be mastered before moving on to our Handspring Class; Bridge; Backbend Kick over; Back Walkover; Handstand; Cartwheel and Forward roll.

Rating and Feedback:

Phoenix Elite Cheer:

History/Bio: 

At Phoenix Elite we strive to help our young athletes find and pursue their passion. Not only do we teach cheerleading skills and instill a love for athletics, but we also introduce and enforce life skills and character that will help our athletes achieve goals throughout the rest of their lives. Every member of the Phoenix Elite staff is passionate about the sport of competitive cheerleading, but more importantly, about the personal growth and development of our athletes.

Phoenix Elite is a competitive cheerleading training facility. We provide both weekly classes to progress skills and competitive year-long teams, which practice and compete throughout the cheer season

Ages: 

Pre-School (Ages 3 to 4 years), Pre-School (Ages 4 and 5), 5 to 8 years. Olds, Adult Open Gym (Age 18+)

Programs, Offers, and Pricing: 

Programs: Try-outs ($45), Full Year (no price provided), Half Year (Mini/Youth team: once per week; Junior/Senior team: twice per week – No price provided), Pre-Team (5-12 years old)

Classes: 

CLASS	SUB-CLASSES/DETAILS	PRICING
Cheer	Cheer	The annual Membership fee is $35; New Members: $205
Tumbling	Tumbling	The annual Membership fee is $35; Tuition (various classes) is $70;
Back Walkover	Member Price: $70/month or $25 drop-in
Aerials	Member Price: $70/month or $25 drop-in
Standing Handspring	Member Price: $70/month or $25 drop-in
Series (Handspring):	Member Price: $70/month or $25 drop-in
Running Tucks	Member Price: $70/month or $25 drop-in
Standing Tucks/Front Tucks	Member Price: $70/month or $25 drop-in
Layouts	Member Price: $70/month or $25 drop-in
Fulls and Specialty	Member Price: $70/month or $25 drop-in
Open Gym	Non-Members: $15, Members: $10
Little Gymnastics	Little Gymnastics	The annual Membership fee is $35
Mommy and Me (Wednesday) Pre-K K Gymnastics (3-4-year-old) Pre-K K Gymnastics (3-4 years old) Saturday 12:30 Advanced Preschool Gymnastics (3 and 4 years old) Thurs 10 am	Tuition: $60
Gymnastics (5-8-Year-Olds) Wednesday Pre-K K Gymnastics (5-8) Thursday 4:30 Pre-K K Gymnastics (5-8 years old) Pre-K K Gymnastics (5-8 years old) Sat. 1:30 Pre-K K Gymnastics (5-8) Friday 4:30	Tuition: $70
Aerial Silks	Silks Intro, Beginner Silks, Open Hang	The annual Membership fee is $35 Tuition price not provided
Camps	Winter Camp 2022	Tuition: $185
Summer Day Camp	Tuition price not provided
High School Prep Camp	Tuition price not provided
Spring/Winter/Holiday Camps	Tuition price not provided
Private Lessons		Membership is $35 for a year for your first athlete, siblings are $20 after
	1 Athlete, 30 minutes: $30 to coach, $5 to the gym. Total: $35 1 Athlete, 60 minutes: $55 to coach, $10 to the gym. Total: $65  2 Athletes, 30 minutes: $20 each to coach, $5 each to the gym. Total: $50  2 Athletes, 60 minutes: $40 each to coach, $5 each to the gym. Total: $90  3 Athletes, 30 minutes: $15 each to coach, $5 each to the gym. Total: $60  3 Athletes, 60 minutes: $35 each to coach, $5 each to the gym. Total: $120
Open Gym	Ages: 18+ Time: Tuesdays, 8:30 pm-10:00 pm	Non-Member Price: $15 Member Price: $10 Team Athletes: Free

Special Programs:

Cheer Abilities (Special Needs)	Team for athletes a.k.a Blaze (runs for approx. 6 – 7 months)	Monthly tuition: $20 Uniform fee: Approximately $100
Coaches Training, Choreography, Field Trips, Gym Rentals/Birthday Parties, Team Training	Pricing information not provided (upon contact)

Benefits:  

Every member of the Phoenix Elite staff, from the ownership and management, to the coaches, to even the reception staff, has personally experienced the benefits of cheer and truly believes in the lessons learned from the sport. We have developed a unique and positive community at the gym, and have created the perfect learning environment for our young athletes.

Rating and Feedback:

Bringing it all together, it is an obvious fact that the cheerleading industry is a fast-growing one, especially in the United States. It has a lot of potential for both administrators (coaches, managers, etc) and trainees. If you are considering a cheerleading program for your child or yourself, the above information provides some insight on some of the popular cheerleading gyms in the North Virginia area namely: The Stingray Allstars VA (Manassas), Virginia Royalty Athletics, and Phoenix Elite Cheer; and a summary of information about what each gym does. Which of these three gyms would you consider joining?