About
A letter from our founder
The growth of today’s cheerleading industry has been built upon the strong foundation of Recreational and Youth programs—past and present. For many athletes, these programs provide their very first opportunity to learn the fundamentals of cheerleading while forming friendships and bonds that last a lifetime.
As the All-Star cheerleading industry continues to grow at an exciting pace, it is essential to remember where many athletes and families began. Recreational and Youth programs remain a vital entry point into the sport, offering a welcoming, local, and budget-friendly introduction that allows athletes to progress at a safe and appropriate pace.
We deeply appreciate the work of established cheer and football organizations such as Pop Warner and American Youth Cheer, which have created high-quality programming that meets the needs of families nationwide. It is never our intention to compete with or work against these programs. Rather, our goal is to enhance and support their efforts—helping to retain and inspire athletes within Recreational and Youth cheer.
We fully recognize and support athletes and families who choose to advance into the All-Star experience. At the same time, American Recreational Cheerleading (ARC) is committed to offering a parallel pathway by collaborating with organizations across the country and around the world. Through these partnerships, we aim to elevate Recreational, Youth, and Prep cheer by delivering high-quality, cost-effective programming that supports long-term growth in the sport.
Sincerely,
Robert D. Kolder, Executive Director, American Recreational Cheerleading
About American Recreational Cheerleading
Our Foundation
The growth of today’s cheerleading industry has been built on the strong foundation of recreational and youth programs—past and present. For many athletes, these programs provide their very first opportunity to learn the fundamentals of cheer while forming friendships and confidence that last a lifetime.
At American Recreational Cheerleading (ARC), we exist to honor and elevate that foundation.
Recreational cheer is more than just a starting point—it is a vital, lasting part of the sport that deserves structure, recognition, and opportunity at every level.
Our Mission
American Recreational Cheerleading is committed to developing a nationally recognized pathway for recreational athletes, teams, and programs.
We aim to:
Elevate the recreational cheer experience
Provide meaningful competitive opportunities
Support coaches and organizations with structure and resources
Create a culture rooted in development, accessibility, and excellence
Our mission is not to replace existing organizations, but to support and strengthen the ecosystem that already serves millions of athletes across the country.
Our Purpose
As the All-Star cheerleading industry continues to grow, it is essential to remember where many athletes begin.
Recreational cheer programs offer:
A local, community-based experience
A more accessible and affordable entry point
A developmentally appropriate progression for athletes
ARC exists to ensure these programs continue to thrive—not just as an introduction to cheer, but as a respected and celebrated pathway of its own.
We proudly support athletes who choose to transition into All-Star cheer, while also creating opportunities for those who want to remain and grow within the recreational space.
Our Approach
We believe in collaboration over competition.
ARC works alongside established organizations such as Pop Warner and American Youth Cheer to enhance—not disrupt—the opportunities available to athletes and families.
Through thoughtfully designed events, resources, and programming, we:
Prioritize athlete development and positive experiences
Create fair and exciting competitive environments
Foster connection, sportsmanship, and team pride
Support coaches with tools to build strong, sustainable programs
Our Vision
We are building a future where recreational cheerleading is:
Recognized on a national stage
Structured with clear pathways for growth
Celebrated for its impact on athletes and communities
American Recreational Cheerleading is more than a competition—it’s a movement to strengthen the roots of the sport and ensure every athlete has a place to grow, belong, and succeed.
Join the Movement
Whether you are a coach, athlete, parent, or organization, ARC is here to support your journey.
Together, we are shaping the future of recreational cheerleading.
“Everything was very well organized and made for such a fun experience. You can tell a lot of thought went into making everything run smoothly. Everyone involved was professional, welcoming, and always willing to help. It meant a lot knowing there was always someone available to answer questions or provide support. We can’t wait for next year to do it all over again!”
— Patriot Cheer Academy