Panther

Country

Cheer

Welcome to OYTF Cheer

OYTF Cheer displays our vibrant sideline legacy that unites in perfect harmony with a competitive option, offering the best of both worlds.

Our Cheer program will have 2 offerings in the 2026 season:

• Sideline Only (Available to grades K-8): $350

• Sideline + Competition (Available to grades 3-8): $650
• Panther Pride Special Needs Cheer
(Available to grades 2-8): $150

Payment plans are available. If the payment plan listed in the registration will not work for your family, please email Samantha Evans at samantha@oytf.org for assistance.

Registration costs for all levels includes:

Facilities, a family showcase event, personalized yard sign and additional game-day apparel/accessories that

each athlete will keep at the end of the season (game-day uniform & bows, sweatshirt, and sweatpants).

Parents will be responsible for purchasing white cheer shoes and a navy blue long sleeve body liner (purchase

links will be provided after registration).

Each family is required to provide a current sports physical prior to the first day of practice. A current physical

must be on file at all times.

For cheer specific questions (not including payment plan inquiries), please contact our Cheer Athletic Director, Dana Butikofer (dana@oytf.org).

*Please note refund requests will NOT be honored
after 6/1/2026.

Athlete Physical

Medical Treatment

Athlete Attendance SOP

Program Code of Conduct

Coaching SOP

Practices & Team Notes

Unless otherwise communicated, all practices are held at Grande Park, 26933 W. Grande Park Blvd, Plainfield IL 60585. Practice days and times vary by cheer program.

Please note attendance at all practices and games is mandatory barring special circumstances. Any absences should be communicated to your cheerleader's coach prior to the absence. Missing practices can result in a change of position on the team.

Competition teams have a mandatory attendance policy that both parents and athletes will be asked to acknowledge. Failure to abide by attendance policy notice may result in removal from the team without refund.

REVIEW THE SECTIONS BELOW FOR SPECIFICS REGARDING OUR CHEER PROGRAMS

SIDELINE ONLY

The Sideline cheer season runs August-October. Sideline teams cheering for tackle football teams may see playoff games in November.

Practice details: Tuesdays and Thursdays

8/5-9/6: 6:00-7:30 p.m.

Starting 9/10: 5:30-7:00 p.m.

Games are historically Saturdays or Sundays. It is important to note that some games will be away games and the cheerleaders will be asked to travel (within reason) to support the football teams.

SIDELINE + COMPETITION

The Sideline + Competition cheer season for OYTF runs July-November.

Practice details:

• 7/20-8/7: Monday – Thursday, 6:00-8:00pm

• Starting 8/11: Tuesday – Thursday, 5:30-7:30

• Times will adjust in September and as season
progresses into competition season.

• Indoor practice will tentatively begin 9/1. Location will
be updated once confirmed

• Grades 3-5 will practice 5-7

• Grades 6-8 will practice 7-9

• Mandatory skills clinic will be scheduled for August –
date will be communicated once confirmed

**It is important to note that some games will be away games and the cheerleaders will be asked to travel (within reason) to support the football teams.

PANTHER PRIDE SPECIAL NEEDS CHEER

Open to 2nd–8th grade athletes of all genders and abilities. This team is all about fun, teamwork, and building confidence, while celebrating every athlete exactly who they are. Our focus isn’t just on skills, but on growth, sportsmanship, teamwork, and learning the sport in a positive, encouraging environment.

Season Details:

• Monday Practice, 5:30-6:30 on 8/31, 9/14, 9/21, 9/28,
10/5 & 10/12

• Home Games on 10/3 & 10/10, times TBD

Squad Levels Breakdown

SIDELINE + COMPETITION

OYTF Cheer currently competes with Illinois Cheerleading Association (ICA).

Registration for Sideline + Competition also includes competition uniform rental, competition bow
(for new joiners), mandatory skills clinic, and participation in at least 2 competitions hosted by Illinois Cheerleading Association (ICA).

NOTE: Uniform rental requires a postdated check as a uniform deposit due at time of fittings in May. This is to ensure we receive our uniforms back in good condition. Once you turn in your uniform at one of our scheduled hand-ins, we hand you back your uncashed check. Details will be provided prior to uniform fitting days.

Cheer Loud

today

ICA COMPETITION

ICA holds competitions throughout Illinois. Competition dates and locations will not be confirmed until mid-May. We will share details as soon as our entry requests are confirmed.

Any team competing can earn a bid to the State Championship. Any team accepting a bid will continue practice at an adjusted schedule up until the championship event. Parents will be responsible for the state championship entry fee should any team/participant. Fee will be communicated once confirmed by the competition circuit.

ICA State will be held at Northern Illinois University across 2 weekends, November 13-15, and November 20-22.

8th graders will perform on Fridays with an 8-grade celebration following awards on November 20th.
All other grade’s performance days will be communicated closer to state dates.