2023 - 2024 Competitive Cheer
Tryout Information
API will hold tryouts for both Elite & Prep teams during the month of May. We do however accept tryouts year round. If you miss the May tryouts, you can always contact us to schedule a private tryout any time of the year and we will fit you into a team depending on where we need extra people. Athletes that complete tryouts during the month of May will be given priority for team placements.Team Options
Travel Teams
This is a year-round competition cheer team. Practices begin in June and can run through May. All teams will perform their routines at competitions at various locations including Missouri, Texas, Indiana, Illinois, Florida, and possibly more. These teams will attend an end of season event such as the Summit or All-Star Worlds in Orlando, Florida. Travel teams practice 5+ hours per week and will attend approx. 6 competitions per year.Elite Teams
This is a year-round competition cheer team. Practices begin in June and can run through May. All teams will perform their routines at competitions in the local area and even travel to surrounding states to compete against some of the best teams in their division. These teams may attend an end of season event such as the U.S. Finals and/or the Summit in Orlando, Florida. Elite teams practice 4+ hours per week and will attend 6-8 competitions per year.Prep Teams
This is a year-round program designed for the athletes that need less time commitment and less travel requirements. These teams perform at events in Kansas City, St. Louis, and Branson. These teams are typically practice 2 hours per week and attend 4-5 competitions per year.Novice Teams
This is a 6 month program and is an entry level team for ages 3-5 years old. Novice teams perform at 2-3 events within 2 hours of Columbia, Missouri. This team will practice 60 minutes per week. The season begins in August and ends in March.Exhibition Teams
This is a 6-month intro to cheer program. Athletes range in age from 6-10 years old. These teams will practice 60 minutes per week and at the end of the season they will perform at an in-house showcase event for family and friends and travel to Sedalia, Missouri for their final performance. The season begins in August and ends in March.CheerAbilities
Started in 2022, this program has been a dream of ours for a long time. This program is a disability inclusive team that performs at a local showcase and even at an event in Sedalia, Missouri. The season begins in August and ends in March.Tryout Clinics
We are excited to offer tryout clinics this year for athletes interested in trying out for a competitive cheer team. Our coaches will provide instruction on technique, stunts, jumps, and tumbling to prepare athletes for team placements. The clinics will provide a supportive environment to help athletes perfect their skills and build confidence prior to tryouts.
Parent Information Meetings
In preparation for season 8, parents are required to attend a mandatory informational meeting where they will learn about our program’s fundamentals and have an opportunity to ask questions of our owners and coaches. Attendance at least once is mandatory, especially given the changes we’re implementing in our Elite and Prep teams.Contract Signing
For the 2023-2024 season we will be using digital e-signatures through Docusign. All athletes will be required to have a signed contract on file to attend practice.