Frequently asked questions about cheer
What programs are offered? Lake Zurich Flames offers both Sideline Competitive and Game Only Cheerleading programs. Programs are available for girls and boys from Kindergarten through 8th grade. The team composition changes from year to year based on enrollment figures.
Are there any additional costs? Costs of participating in cheer are broken out between Registration, Uniforms, Warm ups, and Shoes. In addition to the program costs, each team collects money for a team fund (gifts, parties, etc.). These amounts are determined by each team based on their plans but generally range from $20-$50.
What does Sparks Game Cheer Program cost? SPARKS, GRADES KINDERGARTEN - 2nd Registration Fee: $260 Uniform Fee: Uniforms are rented and included in your registration fees. Spankie shorts must be worn under uniform are required at your own cost of approximately $15. Warmup Fee: Black leggings are required for cold games (athletes supply their own). Hoodies are required for cold games and are inluded in your registration fee. Shoe Fee: White cheer shoes are required and cost $15-$100 depending on the style you select.
Wait List: Game Cheer fills up fast! We allow a limited amount of athletes due to practice space and uniform availability. If you are wait listed for this team you will be notified after the first week of practice if a spot has opened up.
What do Sparks Game Cheer practices look like? Two week nights at Knox Park. Monday and Wednesday from 5:30pm-6:30pm.
What does Sideline Competition Cheer cost? FLASH, FLARE, HEAT, BLAZE & INFERNO Grades 2nd-8th Registration Fee: $675
Uniform Fee*: $260 for a 2 piece uniform. The uniform style will remain the same for 3 years and therefore can be worn multiple seasons. Fall 2025/Spring 2026 will be the last season this uniform is used, and then the style will switch. A game day tank/shirt will be provided through your registration fees. Warmup Fee*: Warm Up Zip up jacket at your own cost approximately $80.00 Black leggings can be worn under the skirt on cold days. The warmup style will remain the same for 3 years and therefore can be worn multiple seasons. Shoe Fee: 2 pairs of white cheer shoes are required (one for games and one for competitions) and cost $32-$100 depending on the style you select. *PLEASE NOTE: If your child has a uniform from the 2024 Fall Season, you do not need to repurchase these items.
Sideline Competetion registration will reamin open through May 10th.Teams will be announced after registration closes. Grades and teams can be mixed due to registration numbers. If there is not enough intrest at one particular grade level to create a team, that team will be eliminated for the season if it cannot be combined with another grade.
What do Sideline Competition practices look like? Sideline Competition Cheer will practice two days per week and Saturday. These teams will also cheer every other weekend at Knox Park for Football games through November. If you are cheering that is considered your weekend practice. All athletes are required to attend practice unless they are excused. An excused absence is one approved by the Coach due to illness or family emergency. Coaches need to be informed 1 day prior to an absence or in the morning before practice in order for it to be excused. Cheer is a TEAM sport therefore all athletes need to be present. Consecutive tardiness or missed practices will cause your athlete to lose their position in the routine or team. In addition to practices, there are Sideline Competition Choreography sessions. 12 hours of choreography are required for all Competition Teams. Choreography normally takes place over 4 days. Specific dates and times will be confirmed at registration. It is MANDATORY to attend choreography.
Are there any additional costs? Costs of participating in cheer are broken out between Registration, Uniforms, Warm ups, and Shoes. In addition to the program costs, each team collects money for a team fund (gifts, parties, etc.). These amounts are determined by each team based on their plans but generally range from $20-$50.
Is tumbling required? Although separate tumbling lessons are not required to participate in the Flames Cheer Program, it is highly recommended. This is an additional cost to the family and is not affliated with the Flames program.
Is the Sideline Competition Cheer State Series costs included in registration? The cost to participate in the ICA State Championshis is NOT included in the standard cheer registration fee. When your team qualifies, there will be an additional cost per cheerleader of $165. All spectators are free of charge. There is a $10 cash only parking fee.