Following are frequently asked questions about Sideline Cheer. For more information, please contact the VP of Cheer.
Athletes must be entering 1st through 8th grade during the fall season of the current year. Cheerleaders are assigned to squads based on their grade level to ensure appropriate skill development, safety, and team consistency.
Team placement is not based on friendships, prior experience, or special requests.
In some cases, teams may be combined due to registration numbers. Combined teams will include no more than two adjacent grade levels.
Panthers is a 100% volunteer ran program. Depending on your level of comfort, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved. You can help at any of the following levels:
The season will begin on July 28th, 2026. During the regular season, squads will cheer at football games both at home and away. Panther Cheerleaders will also support the football teams throughout the Flag Bowl for pre-season and BGYFL playoffs and/or Super Bowl in mid-November.
Registration Deadlines
Competitive Cheer Registration Closes: April 26th
Sideline Cheer Registration Closes: May 17th
Season Timeline
The 2026 Cheer Season officially begins July 28th, 2026 and runs through the Super Bowl in mid November
Uniform Fittings (Mandatory)
April 17th, April 18th, or May 21st
All athletes (returning and new) must attend one fitting date.
Game Schedules
Game schedules are typically released in mid-August.
Families should plan to hold all weekends from late August through October until game assignments are finalized. Playoffs are determined on a week to week basis for games late October through mid-November.
Attendance at all assigned games is highly encouraged.
The Panthers play regular season games against teams affiliated with the Bill George Football League. Some of the towns include Lombard, Carol Stream, Glendale Heights, Bartlett, Elk Grove, and West Chicago; for additional information and directions, please visit our BGYFL page.
Squads will practice Tuesdays and Thursdays between 5pm and 8pm for a minimum or (2) and a maximum of (4) hours per week depending on the age of the squad. While outdoors during summer months practices will be longer and more often. As teams move indoors the amount of practice days/time will reduce depending on indoor space availability.
Where are practices?
Our practice locations include O’Neil Middle School (outdoors), Memorial Park (outdoors), Westmont Yard (indoors – weather dependent) and other potential indoor locations in the Downers Grove or surrounding area. Exact dates of moving are determined by the Downers Grove Park District and dependent on indoor availability. Schedules will be communicated via email prior to the season start and are subject to change. Ample notification will be sent out as needed.
As a non-profit organization, registration fees help cover league fees, administrative costs, insurance, and practice field usage.
Sideline Cheer registration also includes:
The following items are not included in registration and are the responsibility of each athlete:
Additional optional or situational costs may include:
Sideline Cheer is a fun, low-pressure way for athletes to experience the excitement of cheerleading! Perfect for beginners or anyone looking to get involved, this program focuses on learning the basics while building confidence, teamwork, and Panther pride.
Squad members will cheer on the sidelines at home and away games, perform halftime routines, and take part in the Panther Flag Bowl and BGYFL Playoffs, bringing energy and spirit to every game-day event.
In order to keep registration costs down, cheerleaders will be able to participate in one fundraiser totaling $100 which is included in the registration fee. The raffle tickets will be distributed during registration and must be turned back in the first week of practice in order to be entered in the raffle.
Downers Grove Panthers Cheer makes financial commitments on behalf of each athlete, including ICA Camp fees (grades 5-8 Competitive), uniforms, apparel, and league expenses. Because these costs are paid in advance and are non-refundable to the Panthers, the following policy applies:
Full Refund Deadline:
Refund requests submitted in writing on or before April 25th are eligible for a full refund of registration fees, less raffle tickets, discounts, and any items already ordered.
Partial Refund Period:
Refund requests submitted April 26th – May 29th are eligible for a 50% refund of registration fees, less ICA Camp fees, raffle tickets, uniforms, apparel, and discounts.
No Refunds:
No refunds will be issued after May 29th for any reason, including injury, illness, or withdrawal.
Non-Refundable Items:
The following items are non-refundable once ordered or paid:
**Only athletes registered for the upcoming Panthers Competitive Cheer season may attend ICA Camp.
To request a refund, email: treasurer@pantherjrfootball.org