Cheer Canada is the recognized National Sport Organization for the sport of cheerleading in Canada. Provincial Cheerleading Associations now have the unifying influence of a national governing body. The 2019-2020 season will be different in the way that athletes are selected for Team Canada at the ICU World Championships. Athletes must be 17 years or older by Dec. 31, 2020, to be eligible for the International Cheer Union competition. Tryouts for ICU will take place across Canada starting on Oct. 12, in Saskatoon.
For younger athletes, ages 14+, Cheer Canada has a brand new program. The Team Canada Academy Program is a long-term development stream designed to identify and develop future athletes for the Premier Team. Academy athletes will apply and demonstrate their skills at nation-wide tryouts led by the Team Canada coaches.
Elite athletes selected for the academy will participate in intensive training at the Academy Development Camp. The steering committee envisions that these athletes will also bring the high-level skills back to their home gyms which will enhance the sport at a grassroots level as well. Academy athletes will be able to be leaders in their communities, serving as role models for young athletes in the sport.
Tryouts for Team Canada Premier and Academy will take place across the country. Saskatoon tryouts will be hosted by Prairie Fire Cheerleading from noon to 3 p.m. on Oct. 12. Tryouts are open to athletes age 14 and up. Team Canada coaching staff will be leading all 11 tryouts across Canada to identify athletes they wish to register in the Roster Identification Camp. All costs will be covered for athletes selected to attend the Roster Identification Camp. The 2019-2020 camp will be held in London, Ont. The 2020-2021 camp will be hosted in Calgary, Alta.
The Cheer Canada website has full information. The online registration link for tryouts is https://form.jotform.com/92593994987283.
