Albermarle Road Center level 3 Young Champion of America Cheerleaders won 4th place at regionals held May 12 at East Mecklenburg.

This is my daughters first year cheering. I was so proud of all of the girls on every squad for having the courage to perform. It is nice to see these young ladies doing positive things. My daughter is very shy and it was nice to see her perform. In all honest she wasn't happy with her performance and it did need some work.

The 4th place win made them eligible for the Tristate Championship in Greensboro NC. The winners of this championship will be eligible for the Nationals. I was worried about going because a squad of 12 girls turned into a squad of 6 and ultimately 5 when we reached Greensboro. I was stunned in my daughter rocked. She didn't miss a step. She knew she did bad in Charlotte and this was her opportunity to make it right for her squad and she did. Their squd didn't place but she went home feeling not only like a winner but carrying loads of  confidence and self esteem.  The extra practice she had been avoiding and finally put in at home made a difference and she learned that hard work do pay off.

We celebrated at Golden Corral in Greensboro which was outstanding by the way. When we arrived back in the Queen City the shy little girl that holds her head to the side on school pictures had blossomed into a confident flower. I wish I would have signed her up sooner.
As for me being Mom cheerleading takes alot of dedication and time but the progress I have seen in my daughter is outstanding and I wouldn't want to miss a second of it.

For any parents out there that is considering signing their kids up it is a great opportunity. It is fun but also hardwork. It is more than a cute uniform and fun. My daughter learned very quick that cheering is a sport. It is very athletic. The girls also learn  listening skills and team building excercises. Our coach Ms. Erica is really truly a great coach. The girls love her the parents love her. The girls develop a bond that they will carry with them. I also learned  some may not have had the money or a ride but in the future I will try to make sure that isn't an obstacle and suggest that we ride together and have a bake sale to raise money for those who don't have it.

Fees are generally 7.00 registration and 7.00 a week. The stunt clinic was 15.00. My daughter uniform ran around 108.00 that was for poms, socks, bodysuit, vest, skirt, bloomers were free. The regional competition fee was 30.00 free to the public and tristate was 40.00 free to the public. All of the girls receive a trophy but only the best received ribbons for 1st 2nd and 3rd. I love the way Young Champions of America do things all of the girls leave feeling like winners. Find your local recreation centers or google Young Champions of America beause they offer a wonderful experience.