Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to our most frequently asked questions about Dragon Youth Cheer, including registration, uniforms, practices, game days, and more.
General
Who can participate in Dragon Youth Cheer?
Dragon Youth Cheer is a recreational cheer program for athletes in Kindergarten through 6th grade who cheer for Dragon Youth Football. We welcome participants of all experience levels and focus on teamwork, school spirit, positive attitudes, respect, and Dragon pride.
Who is eligible to participate?
Participants must live in Southlake or be eligible to attend Carroll ISD schools, as required by the league.
Practices & Games
How often do teams practice and compete?
Teams practice once each week for approximately 45–60 minutes and cheer at football games each Saturday during the season. Games typically last about two hours. Some football teams travel to nearby communities for away games, and cheerleaders are expected to participate in both home and away games.
Where are practices held?
Practice locations are selected by each team’s coach from Dragon Youth Football and Dragon Youth Cheer approved practice locations and are often coordinated with football practice schedules when possible. Practice days, times, and locations are announced before the season begins.
Team Formation
How are cheer teams formed?
Teams are created using several factors, including coaching assignments, football team assignments, sibling participation, special requests, school, and age, while striving to create balanced squads.
Can I request a specific team or teammate?
Yes. Team requests may be submitted during registration. If you have multiple requests, please indicate your highest priority, such as cheering with a sibling or a specific teammate. Because Dragon Youth Cheer does not receive football rosters, families should clearly identify sibling relationships and any special requests during registration.
While we work hard to accommodate requests, team placement depends on multiple factors, including volunteer coach availability, and requests cannot be guaranteed.
Does every football team have a cheer squad?
Our goal is to support every Dragon Youth Football team with a cheer squad. Squad assignments depend on registration numbers and the availability of volunteer coaches. Families interested in volunteering as coaches help Dragon Youth Cheer create additional squads and support more football teams.
Registration & Fees
How much does it cost to participate?
Registration fees vary based on the registration period. Fees help cover the operating expenses of Dragon Youth Cheer, including insurance, facility rentals, league operations, select team expenses, DYC Cheer Camp and camp shirt, end-of-season awards, and other program costs. Registration fees do not cover uniforms or required accessories. Please see the Programs page for a complete list of required and optional uniform items and related expenses.
Do you offer sibling discounts?
Sibling discounts are not offered for the current season.
For complete registration details, pricing, deadlines, and important information, visit the Registration page.
Uniforms
What uniform items are required?
Required items include the official Dragon Youth Cheer uniform, green and pink metallic pom-poms, two official hair bows, a cheer bucket, and any other season-specific accessories. A complete list of required and optional items, along with current pricing and ordering information, is available on the Programs page. Required items may change from season to season, so families should ensure all equipment and uniforms meet the current season requirements. Previously purchased items may be reused if they are approved for the current season.
What should my cheerleader wear on game day?
Athletes should wear their complete Dragon Youth Cheer uniform, including briefs, white athletic shoes and socks, and the official DYC bow. During cold weather, black fitted long-sleeve shirts and leggings may be worn under the uniform. During October, athletes wear the official pink DYC bow. Some squads may also choose to wear pink socks during October, but they are optional. To maintain a consistent appearance, only official Dragon Youth Cheer apparel and accessories may be worn on the field during games.
What additional items will my cheerleader need?
Additional recommended items include athletic shorts for practices, cheer camp, and team events; a refillable water bottle for camp, practices, and games; and fitted black cold-weather layers to wear under the uniform when needed.
Can I buy or sell a used uniform?
Dragon Youth Cheer does not facilitate the purchase or sale of used uniforms. Families interested in buying or selling official uniform items are encouraged to post their items or an ISO (In Search Of) request in the Southlake Treasures Exchange B/S/T Facebook group or on the Dragon Youth Cheer Facebook page. All transactions are handled directly between the buyer and seller. Before purchasing previously owned items, please verify they are approved for the current season.
Who can alter my uniform?
We recommend K&C Tailor for uniform alterations. They are located next to Tom Thumb in the Village at Timarron at 631 E. Southlake Blvd., Suite D, Southlake, TX 76092. For questions, call (817) 421-9399.
For complete uniform information, including required and optional items, ordering details, and related costs, please visit the Uniforms page.
Volunteers
Who coaches the cheer squads?
All squads are led by parent volunteers who complete the required DYF/DYC background check. Coaches and assistant coaches must be at least 18 years old. Approved Carroll Dragon Cheerleaders may also assist with squads when authorized. Because Dragon Youth Cheer is entirely volunteer-run, the number of volunteer coaches directly affects how many cheer squads can be offered each season.
Can parents volunteer?
Absolutely! Dragon Youth Cheer is 100% volunteer-run and relies on the support and involvement of our families. Parents can serve as coaches, team coordinators, snack coordinators, craft coordinators, photographers, homecoming coordinators, football team liaisons, end-of-season event volunteers, and in many other roles. Volunteer interests can be indicated during registration, or families may contact Dragon Youth Cheer at any time to get involved.
Cheer Camps & Clinics
Is the summer cheer clinic required?
No. The Carroll Dragon Cheer Clinic is an optional event hosted by the Carroll Varsity and Junior Varsity Cheerleaders and is separate from Dragon Youth Cheer. The clinic gives younger athletes an opportunity to learn new cheers, interact with Carroll Varsity and Junior Varsity cheerleaders, and experience the Dragon Cheer tradition.
What is the Dragon Youth Cheer Camp?
The Dragon Youth Cheer Camp is hosted by Dragon Youth Cheer and is included with registration. Athletes receive a camp shirt, meet their coaches and teammates, learn cheers and cheer fundamentals, and prepare for the upcoming season.
For complete information about clinics, cheer camp, important dates, performances, and special events throughout the season, please visit the Important Dates and Events & Performances pages.
