World's Top Cheerleader Squads In Sports

Where would sport be without its supporters and also, where would sport be without its cheerleaders. Both parties draw enormous crowds to sporting venues worldwide. Cheerleading began at a college football game in the USA in the 1800s. To date, cheerleading has grown enormously and cheerleaders have to participate in training fitness camps and be extremely athletic. Their job is to energise the crowd and contribute to the overall high energy that is necessary to spur on a boisterous gathering of supporters.

Denver Broncos NFL

The Broncos cheerleaders bring in enormous revenue. They actually sell cheerleader packages. Sponsors include a tanning and spa service. They also have a large range of merchandise to purchase and fully support a junior cheerleader squad. They do event appearances and have produced a 2013 calendar. They also support a wide range of charities, including the children’s hospital and at-risk youth. Tours have included military bases in the Middle East, Cuba and Japan to show support for the troops and thank them for their service.

Oakland Raiders NFL

These cheerleaders have the most sponsors in the NFL. Among their sponsors are MAC makeup and Betsey Johnson swimwear. They can charge up to $400 per cheerleader for event appearance fees. They also run a Junior Raiderette Program. Fitness Boot Camps are held throughout the year to keep the cheerleaders in peak physical condition. 300 ladies often turn up when the Raiderettes hold auditions.

Atlanta Hawks NBA

Known as the A-Town Dancers, the cheerleading squad for the Hawks, is essentially a dance team who have no trouble keeping the fans pumped. Sponsors include Azure Swimwear and Purminerals. They also participate in fundraising events where donations go towards the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. They also support charities such as the Home Depot and Habitat for Humanity.

Miami Heat Dancers NBA

These talented dancers have appeared on numerous television shows such as ESPN, USA Today and MTV Hits. Having journeyed to China, France and Germany, they have brought with them global appeal. Several past cheerleaders have gone on to become television presenters and reporters.

Redline Lady Panthers NHL

This cheerleading squad also has talented and adept skaters in its group. They are supporters of Pinktober and are sponsored by Bronze Goddess, Redline and other corporations. They produce a yearly calendar and have a great range of merchandise available, including personalised t-shirts. They also have a junior Lady Panther Program where the cheerleaders mentor the younger ones.

One hundred international sports federations currently use cheerleaders. Cheerleading coaches put their squads through intense difficult training. The physical demands placed on these girls are enormous and sometimes serious injuries can result from the arduous routines they perform. Throughout the world, cheerleading clinics and international events are held on a regular basis. Cheerleading brings with it major opportunities for media exposure at charity and corporate events. It also gives girls a chance to travel to many overseas destinations giving support to charities, their team and often making visits to military bases.

Written by Tara Blair

Tara used to be in the cheerleader squad in college for the basketball team. Being an expert in DIY art and craft, she used to make personalised t-shirts for all her teamates.  When Tara is not writing you will most probably find her at her local yoga studio coaching fellow yogis.