US National Youth and Junior Teams

Divisions for 2024

Youth: 12-14
Junior: 15-18

Download our Age Check Excel Spreadsheet (right-click and select “Save As…”)

Teams compete at the International Cheer Union (ICU) World Cheerleading Championships.

US National Team Selection is a two-part process for the selection of the 2024 US National Youth/Junior All Girl and Coed Team: first being a video entry to narrow down to 2 selected areas and coaches, followed by in-person interviews and skills assessments to make final selection. Those interested in applying for the coaching position are encouraged to represent an area (ex. Dallas, Los Angeles, Chicago, etc.) to allow for as many athletes that may be interested to try out and participate. Video entry must use athletes that would potentially be on the team and only those that meet the age requirements.

Applications are for the coach only. This application is not for individuals.

To apply for the US National Youth or Junior Team, the submission process will consist of the following:

Ages for Competing:

For ICU, all members of the Youth team must be between 12 -14 years of age within the year of the Youth World Championships; all members of the Junior team must be between 15 – 18 years of age within the year of the Junior World Championships. Any team proven to be in violation of the ICU age requirements will be automatically disqualified.

*PLEASE NOTE: If the athlete is 14 years old on Jan 1, 2024 but turning 15 in the year of 2024, they will qualify for the youth team even if they turn 15 years of age, before the competition in April. In the same instance- this athlete age example would also be eligible for the Junior division. Another example: if the athlete is 11 on Jan 1 2024, but turning 12 in the year of 2024, they are still eligible for the youth team. Last example: if the athlete is 18 on Jan 1, 2024 but turning 19 in the year of 2024, they are still eligible for the Junior division.

Download our Age Check Excel Spreadsheet (right-click and select “Save As…”)

Expectations for Selected Teams:

  • Teams will be responsible for all expenses. Items that go into costs are, but not limited to: Coaching expenses, transportation, hotel, competition fees, athlete uniform and apparel package, and food. USA Cheer has fundraising ideas and a platform to assist your team with their efforts. You are welcome and encouraged to do fundraisers at home with your schools/programs but there will be set guidelines on what you are able to do for fundraising. Estimated costs for everyone are approximately $1200- $1500 per athlete.
  • Team selections will be announced as soon as possible after the selection process. No later than 2 weeks after the video entry deadline. Once selected, you have a max of 48 hours to accept, or USA Cheer has the right to move on with another team.
  • USA Cheer will coordinate dates for the Junior Directors to come in and assist in Team Selections and Choreography/Skills with the team. All members are required to be at this practice.
  • It is highly recommended that any athlete selected live within 4 hours of selected area due to multiple required practices per week for the months leading up to the ICU Championships.
  • Being on multiple cheerleading teams and the US National Team is not encouraged due to the amount of required practices needed to prepare for the ICU event.
  • Weekly communication is required in this process.
  • Teams must travel in three days before opening ceremonies to Orlando, FL for mandatory practices leading up to the Opening Ceremonies.
  • *Please Note: USA Cheer reserves the right to individually select a team to represent the US National Junior Team if there are a small number of teams that apply. In addition, if submission entries lack the skill level to be competitive, a team may not be selected. We also reserve the right to appoint a team if the selection panel finds that submitted teams lack in any or all areas to be competitive.

Can I apply as an individual?

Applications for individuals are not being accepted. Once areas are selected, we will share information about team selections.

What are the dates of the 2023 ICU World Championships?
April 24 – 26

What dates will my athletes have to be in Orlando, FL?
Arrival dates are determined by each team but we encourage every team to arrive by Sunday April 21st.

Is there a membership requirement?
Every coach representing the US is responsible for a USA Cheer coach membership and every athlete is required to obtain a USA Cheer athlete membership with age verification. This ensures safety training, athlete protection training, concussion training, background screening and age verification.