ELITE TEAM
Welcome to the NJAYF Elite Team! Below, you'll find essential details about the NJAYF Elite Team, the selection process, and what to expect once you're part of the team.
About the NJAYF Elite Team
The NJAYF Elite Team is the cheerleading equivalent of the NJAYF National All Star Football Team. It is a competitive group made up of the top cheerleaders from across our league who will compete at the AYC National Cheer Championships against elite teams from around the country.
BREAKING NEWS!
This season, AYC is expanding the Elite Team to include both Division 12 and Division 14!
Our Elite teams will consist of up to 36 cheerleaders per team. Practices will begin on Saturday, August 23, 2025 and continue
weekly until the Big East Region Competition on November 8, 2025. After that, we will meet twice a week (dates and times TBD)
leading up to the AYC National Cheer Championships in December.
Elite cheerleaders will also continue to compete with their home associations throughout the season. If their home association qualifies
for Nationals, they will compete with both teams. If their home association does not qualify, they will still travel and compete with the
NJAYF Elite Team.
The Selection Process
To be considered for the Elite Team, a cheerleader must:
● Be between the ages of 9 and 14 (as of July 31, 2025).
● Be on a D10, D12, D14, or D16 team in their hometown.
There is no limit to the number of cheerleaders who can try out from each town. Interested candidates must complete the online Elite
Tryout Form by August 1, 2025. The form can be found above.
It is highly recommended that all cheerleaders attend at least 2 of the 3 Elite Clinics.
Clinic Dates:
● Saturday, July 12, 2025
● Sunday, July 27, 2025
● Saturday, August 9, 2025
Selection Camp and Tryout Information
Dates: Saturday and Sunday, August 16 & 17, 2025 (Attendance required both days)
Location: Jackson Field House, 133 Manhattan Street
Fee: $25.00 (cash) - NO REFUNDS
All nominees will receive a commemorative bow for participating in the Elite Selection Camp. If you cannot attend the camp, arrangements for an alternate tryout date or video submission can be made.
At the selection camp, cheerleaders will perform the tryout dance in groups, work on stunts, and showcase their tumbling and jump skills. Evaluations will occur throughout the day.
Team selections will be announced by August 19, 2025.
Making the Team
If selected, there are several administrative steps to complete by September 7, 2025:
1. Registration Fee: A $250.00 fee, payable to NJAYF, is due by September 7, 2025. Payment plans are available if needed.
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This fee covers competition registration, music, competition uniform, practice outfits, bows, and some gym rental fees.
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Note: Travel expenses and some gym rental fees may not be covered.
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Required Fundraiser to cover Choreography
2. Required Documents: A copy of the following documents is due by September 7, 2025:
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Player track card
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Emergency contact info
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Birth certificate
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Medical release form
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(Please submit copies of these documents.)
Practice Schedule
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Practices: Starting August 23, 2025 through November.
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Practices will be 1 to 2 times per week.
The team will compete in the Big East Cheer Championships on November 8, 2025. Following that, the team will practice twice a
week until departure for Nationals.
AYC National Championships
The AYC National Championships will take place from December 3-6, 2025 in Orlando, Florida. Cheerleaders are expected to arrive in Orlando on Tuesday, December 2, 2025. The team will practice early (around 7 or 8 AM) on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 (location TBD).
Cheerleaders whose home teams qualify for Nationals will travel and stay with their home teams. Those whose home teams do not qualify will stay with the NJAYF Elite Team.
The AYC National Competition will be held at the Silver Spurs Arena in Orlando, FL. More information on travel, hotel accommodations, and practice schedules will be provided closer to the event.
Questions
If you have any questions regarding the NJAYF Elite Team, please feel free to contact our Cheer Commissioner, Mary Ellen Earp, via email at meearp@njayf.org