👱♂️ Guys in Cheer: Breaking Stereotypes, One Practice at a Time (S2.24)
- janie724
- Jul 27
- 2 min read
Updated: Aug 18
Episode of March 3, 2025
Jean-Philippe Piccolo
Cheerleading is often perceived as a sport reserved for girls. However, there are more and more passionate boys who dedicate themselves to it with heart, strength and talent. In episode 24 (season 2) of the Kick's Cheer Podcast , we discover the inspiring journey of Jean-Philippe Piccolo, aka JP, an athlete and coach who has been practicing cheer for 16 years. He breaks down prejudices and shows that cheer is for everyone. 💪
👟 From a first practice to 16 years of passion
Like many guys in cheer, JP was introduced to the sport by a friend who needed a strong guy on her team. Curious, he went to try it… And he never stopped. He climbed the levels one by one, until reaching the World Championships, all while becoming a coach and a dad.
“You do a practice, you come out of it, you’re hooked.”
🧱 Deconstructing prejudices
Even in 2025, JP says it clearly: stereotypes are still very present. He still sometimes hears remarks like: "Cheer is for girls." Yet, he proudly repeats: it's a real sport, intense and complete. And above all, inclusive.
"I don't care what people say. I play a sport that I love."
🤝 A strong and united community
The guys in cheer, especially those who have been there for a long time, know each other, support each other, and help each other. JP talks about a true brotherhood among male athletes, where everyone pushes each other to excel. Sometimes, groups of guys even talk to each other in hopes of forming a team together to have a memorable season.
🎯 A clear message to young guys: try!
JP has a powerful message for young boys who are hesitant:
"Don't listen to others. Come and practice. You'll see, you'll like it."
Just one practice can change a life, opening the door to a passion, a career, and lasting friendships. Cheerleading is much more than pom-poms : it's a team sport, demanding and spectacular .
🎉 Let's celebrate diversity in cheer!
With events like Kick's Celebration, where more than 260 teams participate and where the number of guys is growing, cheerleading is evolving. It is becoming more and more recognized and valued as a true high-level sport, accessible to all.
So, if you're a guy and you're still wondering... come try it. You might just discover a passion for the next 16 years. 😉
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