2026 Season Overview
Dates: Monday July 13th through mid to end of November
Registration Opens: Monday February 9th (subject to change)
Registration Closes: Promptly July 1st
What's New in 2026?
We are excited to welcome new roles and members to our board, including Jennifer Schmitz as our new Assistant Cheer Director.
This season will bring:
- Increased opportunities for athletes to learn new skills and compete
- Dedicated, trained coaches once teams are established
- Greater transparency, including a breakdown of what registration fees cover
- Continued focus on athlete development, high school collaborations, structure, and communication
Team Structures
Tiny Mites (TM) - Fundamentals Only - Ages 5 to 6
Mitey Mites (MM) - Sideline Only - Ages 7 to 8
Jr. Pee Wee (JPW) - Sideline Only - Ages 9 to 10
Jr. Pee Wee (JPW) - Sideline and Competition - Ages 9 to 10
Pee Wee (PW) - Sideline and Competition - Ages 11 to 12
Varsity - Sideline and Competition Ages 13 to 14
Commitment & Cost
Fundamentals Only $200
Sideline only $350
- 2 practices per week
- Home and away games
Sideline & Competition $450
- 2 to 3 practices per week
- Home and away games
- Minimum of 2 competitions
Each athlete will receive 5 raffle tickets with registration that equate to $50. This money will not need to be returned to the league. Families are encouraged to use the tickets and enter the raffle themselves or they are able to sell the raffle tickets and keep the $50. This amount has already been paid upfront.
Payment Plans
Payment plans will be available once registration opens, with clear and structured guidelines in place to help ensure timely completion of payments while remaining flexible for families. Please note that registration fees are subject to adjustment as the season approaches. Families are highly encouraged to register early, as later registrations will result in higher payment amounts based on program dates and payment plan dates. Affordable options that will ensure payments are paid in full prior to the start of the season with only a small amount down to start. Payment plans will be offered on monthly, bi-weekly, or weekly schedules.
Please expect the following amount down based on level and payment plan option:
Fundamentals - $50 down /$50 monthly, $50 down/$25 bi-weekly, $40 down/$20 weekly. All paid off no later than April
Sideline Only - $100 down/$50 monthly, $60 down/$40 bi-weekly, $25 down/$25 weekly. All paid off by June
Sideline & Comp - $150 down/$75 monthly, $75 down/$50 bi-weekly, $100 down/$25 weekly. All paid off by June
**Please keep in mind the prices listed will change depending on registration date. The prices listed are based on registering on 2-9-26. Again, we HIGHLY encourage all families to register early to take advantage.**
Additional Details
Please note that teams are dependent on securing committed coaching staff. Registration will still be open for all age groups, however, if a team does not secure a committed coach, registered athletes will be placed on a waitlist. In the event that a coach is not secured, a refund will be issued. We strongly encourage families to reach out if you are interested in coaching or assisting, or to help spread the word to those who may be a great fit. Coaches are a vital part of our program’s success.
Please continue to to watch for updates and announcements on our Facebook page, website, and email communications.
Thank you for your continued support of Elgin Steelers Cheer. We look forward to an exciting season and hope to see many familiar faces returning in 2026!