WHAT DOES REGISTRATION INCLUDE?

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• Full Season Training & Instruction w/ State Qualified Coaches & Junior Coaches 

• Dance Instruction from Professional Choreographers

• Full Squad Cheer Uniform & Accessories (Outfit, Socks, Shoes, & Bow)

• Customized Cheer Practice Wear

• MCCA T-shirt

• (4) ICA Competitions with prospect of getting bid to State 

• (1) In-House Showcase Performance and Group Talent Event

• (4) Individual & Customized Competition Gifts 

• (4) Pre Competition Parties (Food is served, Hair/Makeup is done) 

• Athlete Transportation and Athlete Parking covered for competitions

• Competition Medals/Awards

• Cheerleader Spotlights & Social Media AllStar Posts for our Proud Parents

• Team Bonding Activities/Events/ Parties throughout the year 

  • Barbie Beach Party ​& Swimming 

  • Big Sister & Little Sister Team Bonding Night

  • Squad Dance Parties

  • Halloween Party & Cheerleader Haunted House

  • Float Decorating 

  • Crafting & Painting Day

• Fundraising Events

  • Breast Cancer Walk-A-Thon

  • Family Bingo Night

  • Clothes Drive

  • Fill My Bow

• Participation in Local Parades & Festivals (Example: Settlers Day Parade)

• Cheer Competition Music (Customized for Each Squad)

• End of Year Banquet Dinner, Dessert, & Coco Bar (Athletes & Parents FREE)

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MUST READ INFORMATION

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• The MCCA Cheer Season will run May through November 2025. 

• Practice location: 205 Lindow Lane, Marengo 

• Practices will be 2-3 days a week and coaches will post their practice schedules prior to the cheer season starting. We do not have a start date for practices yet.

• All practices 2 weeks prior to ANY competition are mandatory (NO EXCEPTIONS*)

• MCCA reserves the right to refuse registration to any athlete or their families. 

• All Practices are CLOSED to parents or guardians.

• MCCA is a proud registered member of the Illinois Cheerleading Association.

• All information for the season including competitions, dates, events, and updates will all be listed on the Band App. Parents are responsible for checking the app daily throughout the cheer season. When a coach posts in the app please make an effort to respond, like, or heart the post so that it's acknowledged by the coaching staff.

• The playground area at 205 Lindow Lane in Marengo is private property. MCCA families will refrain from using the playground area.

• Registration fees do not include STATE FEES or STATE GIFTS.

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ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS & COMMITMENTS

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• Attendance is important to maintain a STATE QUALIFYING TEAM! This includes understanding that extra practices maybe added onto the schedule to improve the team's skill sets and performance. Families need to be flexible with coaching staff in the event said practices are added on as it only benefits the team as a whole.  

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• Full details of the complete attendance policy will be provided to parents in the By-Laws prior to the start of the season. Athletes are expected to be present and punctual during their scheduled practices. Regular attendance is essential for the productivity of the team. Athletes should plan personal appointments or activities outside of practices whenever possible.

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• The attendance expectation is as follows: 

  • Athletes should not miss more than 4 unexcused absences in a season.

  • All practices 2 weeks prior to a competition are mandatory (even if added on by coaching staff). 

  • Competitions are mandatory and not optional (including showcases). 

  • The Board of Directors and Coaching Staff will not approve vacations during the competition season.  Failure to present conflicts prior to the start of the season, will result in removal of the program without refund. Routines and cheers are strategically planned in advance and it's extremely difficult to fill empty positions especially when we're missing an athlete in a specific stunt group.

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• Parents wishing to sign up their athlete for competitive cheer need to understand the detailed commitment prior to sign up. Commitment has many different meanings:

  • Attendance Commitment

    • No more than 4 unexcused days off in a season

    • Athletes with a fever, diarrhea, constant coughing, flu-type symptoms, stomach bug issues, or the common cold should stay home from practice and see a doctor. 

  • Practice Commitment

    • Depending on your athlete's age group or grade level, practices will range from 2-3 days a week with a potential for add-ons closer to competitions or if coaches deem them necessary.

  • Financial Commitment

    • Making payments on time and keeping up with said payment plans is important to keeping your athlete in good standing with MCCA.

    • Participating in MCCA's events throughout the season is also a huge commitment to the organization. We expect parents to support their athletes in our Fundraising Events and in our Showcases.

  • Volunteer & Fundraising Commitment ​​

    • Volunteering is a great way to get to know your athlete's friends/families!

    • Each family is required to give a minimum of 6 volunteer hours per cheer season.

    • Each family must participate in at least half of MCCA's Fundraising Events that are assigned for the upcoming cheer season. Our primary goal is to raise funds, increase awareness, build up community, and engage successfully. We can't do this without the help of our athletes and families.

 

CHEER COST / PAYMENT PLANS

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•  Option 1: 4 (four) Installments of $250 a month (upon registration) until paid off.

  • All major credit cards accepted; $30 credit card processing fee added at registration due to financing over the entire 4 months.​

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• Option 2: 1 (one) down payment of $100 (upon registration) & 5 (five) consecutive installments of $180 per month until paid off.

  • All major credit cards accepted; $30 credit card processing fee added at registration due to financing over the entire 5 months.

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• Option 3: 1 (one) payment of $1000, paid in full. 

  • All major credit cards accepted; $30 credit card processing fee added at registration.

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• Option 4: Secure a $1050 Sponsor & Cheer for FREE! ​​​

• Ask a family friend who owns a company to sponsor you! 

• Ask your parents if either of their Jobs want to sponsor you this Cheer Season!​

• Talk to your Doctor
• Talk to your Dentist
• Talk to a Local Restaurant or Family Diner in the area

• How about talking to a local Bakery in town?

• Talk to a local vet in the area!

• Is there a flower shop in the area?

• What about an auto dealership?​

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​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Many companies LOVE to sponsor! It gets their name out into the community and it helps get them more business! 

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 CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPONSOR INFORMATION 

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• Option 5: Want to participate but can't find an option that works for you? Well, MCCA does not turn down families. We work WITH them. If you're interested in joining and need a different payment plan please reach out to jenna@mchenrycountycheeracademy.com or mauri@mchenrycountycheeracademy.com. 

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REFUNDS AND PAYMENTS

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• When MCCA states "NO REFUNDS" this means exactly how it is written. Once an athlete has legally registered for the season, regardless of whether the athlete participates in events or if they have chosen to withdraw by choice or not, they will not receive any refunds or reimbursements from past payments made.

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• Athletes who drop out during the season (after registration) will not receive any type of reimbursement or refund. By registering, families agree they can not cancel any checks, call their bank to stop payment/ dispute a charge, or decide not to pay their remaining balance.

  • Families who decide to go against our policy will quickly be eliminated from the program indefinitely. They'll also receive an additional $50 fee for any stop payments or deputes. Families falsely identifying misinformation leading to a chargeback dispute will also be in negative standing. 

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• Families who elect to enroll in payment payment plans must make payments on time. Upon registration, families can choose whether to start payment deductions on the 1st, 15th, or the 30th of each month. If a family is 5 days late on their payment arrangements than a $10 charge will be added to the account for each day the account is delinquent. Athletes who are 5 days late or more are considered to be in negative standing and can not attend practice until the account is cleared up.

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• All MCCA families (mother, father, or legal guardian) are expected to give a minimum of 6 volunteer hours per cheer season. MCCA will collect a pre-written $100 check (upon registration) and will use that as a deposit until their volunteer commitments are fulfilled. Families have until Nov. 1st to volunteer their time. If families have not fulfilled their volunteer obligations then checks will be cashed after November 1st. Families who meet their 6 hour requirement will get their check or cash back after the cheer season has ended.

  • Please schedule all volunteer hours with Vice President Mauri- email: mauri@mchenrycountycheeracademy.com. ​​

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• All MCCA families (mother, father, or legal guardian) are expected to give a $250 uniform rental fee at the time of uniform fitting. MCCA will collect a pre-written $250 check (made out to: MCCA with a prewritten date of 12/1/25). The deposit reserves your athletes uniform for the season with the intention of MCCA receiving it back. Uniforms should be returned in the same condition as they were received. Uniforms should be washed and thoroughly cleaned upon their return. If the uniform does have any stains please make sure to take it to a professional cleaners prior to returning it. We don't want to have to charge any families for any extra cleanings or possible disruption of your uniform deposit.

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• Guide To State (fingers crossed)

  • In the event our squads get a Bid to State, MCCA families are responsible for State Fees, Athlete Gifts, and Hotel Accomodations. State is A HUGE accomplishment and the athletes have worked incredibly hard to get where they are so please help contribute the best you can.

  • Squads will come together and think of the best way to fundraise for State so that it's not a huge expense for families. 

  • State fees can range anywhere from $150-250 per athlete.

  • Athlete Gifts can range from $100-150 per athlete. Athletes typically receive customized gifts with their names on them, gift baskets, clothing, cheer stuff, food, drinks, and much more!

  • Typically, we stay overnight in a hotel close to the downtown area near NIU in Dekalb, IL. We stay 2 nights and its around $100-200 per athlete.

  • Coaches plan for team bonding activities, swim time for the athletes, crafting nights, door decorating, pajama parties, movie nights, spa/facial time, and much more!

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IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER

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• Tuesday, April 15, 2025 >>>> Cheerleading Basics for Beginners

  • Cheerleading is a fun sport! Learn all the fundamentals of cheer if you are a first timer or if you need a refresher before the season starts. Athletes will learn Cheer Stances/ Motions, Jumps, Minor Stunting, Clasping, and how teamwork comes into play when performing. This is a fun and energetic class that gives all the necessary resources for learning how to be a successful cheerleader. ​

  • Athletes who sign up for the 2025 competitive cheer season will receive this class for half off. 

  • Address: 205 Lindow Lane, Marengo, IL. 

  • Classes Meet: April 14, 16, 23, 28 (5:30-6:30pm)

  • Classes $65 total/ Athletes who join fall cheer get to sign up for this class for only $32.50

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• Tuesday, April 15, 2025 >>>> Competitive Cheer, Jumps, & Tumbling Class​​

  • ​Master your jumps & tumbling before the season starts! Whether you're an experienced cheerleader or a beginner! This class will focus on correct form, timing, and motions of all competitive cheer jumps. Our tumbling class will help athletes learn the fundamentals of back/front walkovers, proper form for cartwheels/round-offs, along with handstand rolls.​

  • Athletes who sign up for the 2025 competitive cheer season will receive this class for half off. 

  • Address: 205 Lindow Lane, Marengo, IL. 

  • Classes Meet: April 15, 17, 22, 24 (6-7:30pm)

  • Classes $80 total/ Athletes who join fall cheer get to sign up for this class for only $40!

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• Friday, April 18, 2025 >>>> Open House MCCA Information Night​

  • 205 Lindow Lane, Marengo, IL. 

  • Time: 6-7pm​

  • Get the scoop on the 2025 Fall Competitive Cheer Season! 

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• Friday, May 16, 2025 >>>> 2nd Open House MCCA Information Night

  • 205 Lindow Lane, Marengo

  • 6-7pm​​

  • Last Day of Registration for the Fall Competition Cheer Season

  • Didn't get a chance to check out the first informational meeting? Well, we got the skinny! Check it out!

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• Saturday, May 31, 2025 >>>> Uniform Fittings 

  • 1324 Oakview Terrace, Woodstock, IL. 60098​

  • Time: 9am-1pm

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• Monday, June 2, 2025 >>>> Meet the Coaches/ Athlete Orientation (All Squads)

  • 205 Lindow Lane, Marengo

  • Time: 530pm-730pm
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• Tuesday, June 3, 2025 >>>> 1st official Day of Practice 

  • ​​(K-2nd) Practice Days TBA

  • (3-4th) Practice Days: TBA

  • (5-6th) Practice Days: TBA

  • (7-8th) Practice Days: TBA

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• Tuesday, June 10, 2025 >>>> Fill My Bow Fundraiser

  • Squad who completely fills their bow gets ICE CREAM PARTY!​​​​

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• Saturday, June 21, 2025 >>>> Barbie Beach Party (Team Bonding Event)

  • 1324 Oakview Terrace, Woodstock, IL. 60098​

  • All Squads Welcome 

  • Pool Party from 1-6pm

  • MCCA will supply snacks, dinner, and drinks (juice-water-soda).

  • Bring swimsuit, sunscreen, swim arms/ life jacket (if needed), towel, and an extra pair of clothes to change into.

  • We'll be swimming, dancing, playing team bonding games, and havin' a lot of fun!

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• Monday, June 30th thru July 13, 2025 >>>> (Gym Closing)

  • ​Mandatory 2 week Break per ICA

 

• ​Tuesday, July 14, 2025 >>>> Practices Resume (Last Day for Fill my Bow Fundraiser)

• Wednesday, July 15, 2025 >>>> Practices Resume

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• Sunday, July 27, 2025 >>>> MCCA Car Wash & Lemonade Stand Fundraiser 

  • Come on out and support your LOCAL MCCA CHEERLEADERS!

  • Tell EVERYONE you know- Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, Neighbors, Co-workers!

  • Location: TBA

  • Time: 9-3pm

  • Outside Wash Only (no interiors)- Cars $10, Trucks $15, Motorcycles $10

  • Fresh Lemonade for $1.00 ​​​​​​

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• September 3, 2025 >>>> MCCA In-House Showcase Performance​​

  • Time: 6:30pm SHARP

  • Athlete Arrival: 5:30pm

  • Theme: CheerCago - Come in your SPORTS ATTIRE!

  • Athletes need to come fully dressed (uniform, shoes, bow, socks)

  • $5 entry per guest / children under 5 are FREE 

  • Drinks & Light Snacks will be served​

  • In House Performances are just as important as ICA Competitions! All squads will perform as they would when they go to ICA Performances. In House Performances are also reserved for family and friends who can't attend or make the ICA competitions. ​​

  • Athletes will perform their group routines and show what they've been learning throughout the season. Please come out and support them!

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• September 6-7, 2025 >>>> Anticipated CheerCago ICA Competition

  • Details on exact date will be announced in May.​​

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• September 20-21, 2025 >>>> Anticipated Cheer Rodeo ICA Competition

  • Details on exact date will be announced in May.​​

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• Saturday, September 27, 2025 >>>> MCCA Barn Dance (Fundraiser)

  • Time: 4-9pm​

  • 22314 Hartman Road, Marengo, IL. (Ibarra's Farm)

  • Dancing, Music, Food, Drinks, Snacks, and Rodeo! Country outfits required!

  • Adults $10, Kids $5

  • Bring the family, bring your friends! Lets celebrate going Cheer Rodeo!

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• October 4-5, 2024 >>>> Anticipated Cosmic Clash ICA Competition

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• October 25-26, 2024 >>>> Anticipated Spooktacular ICA Competition​

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• November 15-16, 2024 >>>> Anticipated STATE COMPETITION! Fingers Crossed! 

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• November 22-23, 2024 >>>> Anticipated STATE COMPETITION! Fingers Crossed! 

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• Friday, December 5, 2025 >>>> MCCA Awards & Dinner Show Banquet 

• Time: 6:00pm

• Niko's Grill & Pub- 7509 South Grant Highway, Marengo​

• Appetizers, Dinner, & Dessert

• Coach's Season Recap, Slideshow, Awards Ceremony, & Special Guest

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