The Herndon Optimist Cheerleading program is a recreational/development program for children 6 - 15 years old. The program provides a rewarding and fun experience with an emphasis on both teamwork and individual accomplishment. Cheerleading requires stamina, concentration and regular practice as a team. Throughout the season your child will learn cheerleading fundamentals, sportsmanship, leadership and teamwork appropriate for each age level.

The cheerleaders support a Herndon Optimist Football team and also perform at other performance events. This year the girls performed during halftime at one of the Herndon High School football games, HOYF Pep Rally, Performance Day at Chantilly HS and were given the opportunity to join a squad and compete at SpiritFest in Laurel, MD.

"HOYC has wonderful talented coaches who love working with the girls. We are lucky to have such great coaches" said Vickie Thompson, HOYC Commissioner. "They are all volunteers who donate an enormous amount of their time to work with the girls. During the regular season the coaches lead a squad of girls at the HOYF football games. They provide research to obtain the best music for our routines, provide the choreography to accommodate all skill levels, etc. Several of our coaches are young professionals who are new to the Northern Virginia area. They have been involved with cheerleading most of their lives and decided HOYC was an organization which they wanted to be involved in. They have so much enthusiasm and want to provide the youth of Herndon with the same opportunities they had growing up. The coaches teach the girls the value of working as a team, committing yourself to work hard and most of all have fun." Melissa Reynolds stated " As a volunteer, this is one of the most rewarding programs that I have ever been a part of. When you take into consideration that many of these girls had never cheered before the beginning of this season, walking away with a 1st place trophy is a testament, not only to their skill, but to their hard work and dedication."

Registration will begin in June for the Fall Season, summer camps will begin in late July with regular team practices beginning mid August. HOYC emphasizes building the young athletes' self esteem and confidence. Your child learn the value of team work and the importance of commitment. HOYC is looking for additional coaches and volunteers to run our growing program please contact us asap as we are beginning to plan for the summer/fall season. Please contact us at info@hoycheer.com or 703-298-8467 for information about HOYC.