EMW Cheerleading

We would like to welcome you to our family!

We are extremely excited for the 2026 season! 

In our program, the safety and enjoyment of our athletes is our #1 priority. We teach our cheerleaders a plethora of skills and techniques to not only help with the sport but to improve upon life skills as well. 

We hope that you find this website helpful and we welcome you to submit any suggestions to help better this program. If you would like further information about our cheer program, contact our Cheer Coordinator, Kaleigh Struzinsky at EMWCheerleading@gmail.com

 Thank You for visiting our website!

DID SOMEONE SAY STUNTING?

Join us for our Stunting Clinics in June!

 CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP!  

When:

Tuesdays: Ages 9-12, 6-7:30pm

Thursdays: Ages 5-8, 6-7:30pm

Where:

Iroquois Intermediate School Gym

2111 Girdle Road

Elma NY 14059

How much?

$5 per athlete, per day

Commitment?

While we hope you’ll want to come to all of the sessions for your age group, commitment is not required- come to as many or as few sessions as you’re able. Just let us know in the registration form when you won’t be attending so we have an accurate count of expected attendance each day.

What to wear: Cheer Appropriate clothing:

·      Athletic shorts/pants

·      T shirt

·      Athletic style sneakers

·      Hair secure in pony tail

What not to wear:

·      Jeans/jean shorts

·      Pockets

·      Oversized/loose clothing

·      False nails

·      Earrings

·      Jewelry of any kind

·      Sandals, open toed shoes, crocs, ect.

Frequently asked questions:

1.      Can I come if I’m not an EMW Cheerleader? 

Yes! All are welcome.

2.      Do I need to be signed up to cheer in the Fall to attend?

No! But we hope you’ll consider joining us for the Fall season- registration is still open!

3.      What kind of stunts will be doing?

Depends on your age and skill level! Safety is our number one priority, so we will start with the basics and work through drills and proper skill progressions before advancing to the next difficulty level.

4.      Who’s running the clinic

Our experienced team of EMW Cheerleading coaches, assistant coaches, and coordinators. 

5.      What if I have a question that hasn’t been answered here? Email us! EMWcheerleading@gmail.com

Wild Allstars Queen of the Jungle 10/19/25

Peewee- 1st Place

Freshman- 1st Place & GRAND CHAMPIONS

JV- 1st Place, Creative Choreography, GRAND CHAMPIONS

Empire West Competition 10/26/2025

Peewee- 1st Place & GRAND CHAMPIONS

Freshman- 1st Place & GRAND CHAMPIONS

JV- 1st Place

Redhawk Cheer Classic 11/2/2025

Peewee-2nd Place

Freshman-1st Place & GRAND CHAMPIONS

JV-1st Place

NYS Recreation Championships 11/15/2025

JV-2nd Place

At EMW Football & Cheerleading, we believe that true success goes beyond competition results. Our primary goal is to create lasting camaraderie and cherished memories for our athletes. We offer our cheerleaders the chance to connect with others, strengthen friendships, and be part of something greater than themselves. These experiences not only build team spirit but also foster a sense of belonging and pride, creating unforgettable moments that will stay with our athletes for years to come.

• Marilla Ag Day Parade Float
• Half Time Performance with Iroquois Cheerleaders at Iroquois Varsity Homecoming Football Game

JV Cheerleaders only

NYS Recreational Cheer Championships with an overnight stay in Syracuse!

Athlete’s age is determined as of August 1.

Our Pee-Wee team is the youngest cheer squad. These girls cheer at football games, as well as compete in local competitions. This squad is great for all young girls in the area who are looking to try a new sport! All talents are welcome whether they are experienced or a beginner.

They will learn the basics of cheerleading, performance routines, and most of all, they will begin to build friendships that will last a lifetime!

The bigger the squad the better! Come join our team, you won't regret it :)

Our team is a competitive team with lots of potential. We cheer at all league games and compete in at least three competitions. On this squad, we begin to master the basics of cheerleading and work towards harder combinations of motions, skills, and stunts.

We continue to build on the relationships that were formed as PeeWee and welcome new girls to join our family. We are welcoming of all talents and skill levels. We have a lot of fun and strive for first place at every competition.

We love having a huge family and would hope that you will join usl!

Our team is a highly competitive and participates in cheering at league football games as well as cheerleading competitions. We encourage all to join and become part of our family. We continue to build of off relationships that we have built in previous years as well as form new relationships with those looking to join! All talent and skill levels are welcome to join this team.

We continue to master the basic cheerleading motions and work towards perfecting harder combinations of stunts, skills, and motions.

Last year, we placed first at two competitions and second at another. This year, we are hoping to place first at all of our competitions while ensuring a fun and enjoyable season. We need your help in achieving our goal of first at every competition and having a fun season! See you on the field! 

If you are interested in a Varsity team, please contact Kaleigh at emwcheerleading@gmail.com for more information. 

Jenna Sullivan - Peewee Coach

Brianne Wittmeyer - Freshman Coach

Andrea Derkovitz - JV Coach

August Practices

August practices will occur Monday through Thursday 6-8pm at the Creek Road Field for all teams, unless otherwise specified by the coach. During these practices, athletes will learn basic skills and cheers for game day. Please check your emails for updates/cancellations. Parents are not required to stay for these practices.

September-November Practices

Indoor gym practices begin the week after school starts with reduced practice days/hours, determined by the head coach. Gyms may include Iroquois High School, Intermediate School, a local church, or other facilities in the area. During these practices, athletes will fine tune their game day cheers and learn a full cheer routine to be performed at this season's competitions. Parents are not allowed to stay for these practices unless given permission by their child's head coach and the coordinator.

• Cheerleaders should wear:
• A comfortable T-shirt (no buttons or zippers),
• Comfortable athletic shorts/pants (i.e. yoga pants, sweat pants, soffe shorts. Pants/shorts cannot have zippers or pockets.) NO JEANS!
• Cheerleading Sneakers ONLY (with socks).
• Hair should be off of the face and tied back. 
• If it's cold, bring a sweater/hat/gloves to keep warm
• Please also send your child with TWO water bottles. 

How much of a time commitment is EMW Cheer?

• August practices typically run from 6-8pm for all teams. At these practices, cheerleaders will learn the sideline cheers for the football games. Games will occur on Saturday's between late August and early November.
• September- Mid-November practices typically run from 6:15-7:30pm for PeeWee and 6:15-8pm for all other teams. At these practices, cheerleaders will learn their competition routines. We generally attend 3-4 local competitions on weekends between late October and Mid-November.
• You should plan to arrive at practice 5-10 minutes early to ensure a proper start time for the team.
• Cheerleading is a BIG time commitment. All cheerleaders are required to be at every practice, game, and competition. If there is a conflict with practice schedules/games, please contact your head coach ASAP. We understand special and unavoidable circumstances arise. We are willing to work with busy schedules and different things that may come about, but please notify the coach ASAP so they they may plan accordingly.
• Competition Commitment: If you choose to have your daughter compete she will have to attend all competitions and practices. If you are unable to make a competition for any reason, please speak with your head coach and coordinators to figure out what is best for your daughter and the team.

2026 UNIFORM FITTING 

• Last names A-L should report Tuesday May 19th
• Last names M-Z should report on Thursday May 21st 
• Cheerleader should wear tight fitting clothing for accurate sizing and easy try on/off.
• If your cheerleader is a RETURNING athlete, or a sibling of one who might be able to use hand-me-downs: Be sure to try all of your items from last year on, and inspect to ensure they are in good condition.
• If you need to re-order an item, make note of the size you previously had and be sure to tell the EMW representive helping you at the fitting whether you'll need a new size or if the size works and just needs to be replaced.
• If items from last year are in good condition and still fit well, you do not need to re-order.

What to bring to Sizing Day:

• YOUR CHEERLEADER(S)
• Check payable to EMW Football and Cheerleading for any additional item purchases. Venmo accepted too.
• Understanding and patience- We want all cheerleaders to feel their best in their uniform. 

What if you can't make your assigned day?

It's important for us to get your sizing completed asap so any orders can arrive prior to the first game. If you are not able to attend your assigned day, please contact our Equipment Manager, Sarah, at (716) 697-4838.

DONATIONS:

If you have items that you would like to donate to EMW that may not fit your child anymore. Please feel free to bring it to your try on day and we can put it on the table for others to look through. 

Talk to me about uniform items:

• Shell
• Loaned to you for the season by EMW
• Must be returned in good condition at the end of the season
• Skirt
• Loaned to you for the season by EMW
• Must be returned in good condition at the end of the season
• Bow:
• Provided by EMW, yours to keep.
• Spankies
• Required - Purchased through EMW
• Can use last year's pair if still in good condition and fits properly.
• Sparkle Crop Top
• Loaned to you for the season by EMW
• Must be returned in good condition at the end of the season
• Warm up Jacket
• Required - Purchased through EMW
• Can use last year's if still in good condition and fits properly.
• Warm up Pants
• Required
• Any Navy Blue athletic style pants are allowed if you would prefer to provide your own
• Can order traditional warm up pants through EMW if you would prefer 
• Can use last year's if still in good condition and fits properly.
• Competition shoes
• Required if participating in Competitions
• Purchased through EMW
• Additional details regarding competition sneakers can be found under frequently asked questions.
• Can use last year’s pair if still in PRISTINE condition and fit properly. 
• Sparkle Red Hawks Backpack
• OPTIONAL
• Purchased through EMW
• Knitted Beanie
• OPTIONAL
• Purchased through EMW

Frequently Asked Questions:

Will I go home with my uniform on the night of the fitting?

No. Uniforms will be distributed during the first couple weeks of practice.

What happens if I don't come to the fitting?

You run the risk of not having the required apparel or a properly fitting uniform for the season. Orders are placed with our vendors immediately following uniform fitting to give us the best possible chance of our items arriving before the first game. If you are not able to attend, contact our Equipment Manager ASAP.

What if we haven't decided if we are doing Competition? Should I still purchase competition shoes?

Because our first Compeition isn't until late October, the sneaker order isn't finalized and placed until the first week or two of practice, to give your family time to make your final decision on competition participation. Even if you are undecided at the time of our uniform sizing events, get sized anyways. You can confirm with us your intentions when we go to place the order.

If competition shoes are just for competition, what about games?

On Game day, any white athletic shoe can be worn. Remember, if the field conditions are unfavorable due to rain/mud, your coach may advise you to wear boots instead (but ALWAYS bring your shoes!)

If you are NOT planning to compete, you do not need to purchase competition shoes.

My kid is growing and her sizes may change between now and then! What happens if items don't fit?

During the sizing process, the EMW Cheer personnel will work with you to find the perfect size that both fits well, but allows for some room to grow into. While we want you to get multiple years of use out of your purchases, it's important that all items fit properly to ensure athlete safety. We do our best to suggest a size that meets both of these requirements.

At the conclusion of the fitting, you will sign off on the sizing sheet to confirm that you approve of the sizes of what's being ordered. EMW will not be responsible for replacement of ordered items should you sign off on and agree to an improper size. 

With that being said, EMW tries to keep a few extras on hand for emergency circumstances, but we cannot guarantee that we would have options available for a swap/replacement. 

  See information below for the cost breakdown of the uniform items. 

It is extremely important that ALL UNIFORM ITEMS are brought to EVERY game and competition. 

Cheerleaders must uphold a professional look that coincides with their performance. If one cheerleader forgets an item, the entire squad will not be able to wear that item or they may have to change their look. 

(Please speak with your head coach/coordinators if there is a conflict.)

Below is the list of items that each cheerleader will be required to bring to every game and competition.

*There will be no refunds for purchased equipment *

A: Shell/Vest  (Top of the uniform.)   Must be returned  at the end of the season. Cost: Included in registration 

B: Skirt (Bottom of the uniform.)  Must be returned  at the end of the season.Cost: Included in registration  

C: Spankies  (Worn underneath the skirt and over the underwear) *Athletes will keep. Cost: About $15

D: Crop Top (Worn underneath Shell/Vest) Must be returned at the end of the season. Cost: Included in registration.

E: Sneakers (Specific cheer sneaker for Competitions ONLY). *Parents will purchase separately and Athletes will keep. For games we ask that girls wear a comfortable sneaker and if possible an old cheer sneaker. Cost: $70 There is a specific sneaker that we are requiring for competition this year.  

F: Warm-up Jacket -(Worn over Shell/Vest) *Parents will purchase from Equipment Manager and Athletes will keep. Cost: $ 50 parents will purchase

G: Warm-up Pants-(Matches Jacket. Can be worn with or without skirt) *Parents will purchase from Equipment Manager, or can purchase any navy blue athletic pants. Athletes will keep.

H: Cheer Bows (2-3 Bows will be given out and the correct bow must be worn at the games/competition). Athletes will keep. Cost: Included in Registration

I: Socks Any white, no show sock will do for games & competitions.

Optional:

1. Cheer Bag: tbd

3. Beanies: $25

For Competition: It is recommended that parents bring bobby pins, extra hair ties, hair spray, and bring a comb/brush (just for their cheerleader). It is not required but will not be supplied by EMW. 

  In addition to the uniform,  ALWAYS send your child with AT LEAST TWO water bottles to all practices, games, and competitions. There are not always water fountains or the option to purchase bottled water.  

***In the event of inclement weather, please refer to the Head Coach of your team for suggestions (i.e. clear poncho, mud boots/shoes, anything to keep the girls warm.) Red, white, or blue, is preferred, but ultimately anything to keep the girls warm will do***