🌎 How does the Worlds work? (S2.30)
- janie724
- Aug 20
- 3 min read
Episode of April 14, 2025
With Vanessa Jacob Monette
Every year, hundreds of cheerleading teams from around the world gather for one of the most prestigious competitions: the World Cheerleading Championships, also called the Worlds . 🎉
But how exactly does it work? Here's a simple guide to understanding this major event that's so special for athletes... and for parents!
Qualification: the famous “bids” 🎟️
To participate in Worlds, a team must first earn a special invitation called a bid. These bids are earned at certain competitions throughout the year, such as the All-Star Championship, Kick's Celebration, or other recognized events. Once you earn your bid, the adventure begins!
Preparation: a real headache! 🧳✈️
Some clubs only have one or two teams flying to Worlds but others, like Flyers have to plan a trip for 250+ athletes and 10 teams, that's a sport in itself! Gyms often book flights, hotels, buses and practices months in advance... sometimes even before they've received their bid!
At Flyers, for example, we organize everything starting in the summer: "offsite" accommodation (off Disney site), planning of practices, groceries, meals prepared by the athletes themselves... Everything is thought out down to the smallest detail so that everyone is ready.
How does the competition work? 🏆📅
The Worlds span several days:
Qualification : All Canadian teams perform in their division.
Objective : Finish in the top 3 in your country to reach the final.
The Finals : The best teams return to perform. All scores from Day 1 are erased, so everything starts from scratch!
There are several divisions depending on age and level (e.g. all girl, coed, tumbling or not, etc.).
The fan zone: huge support! 📣🇨🇦
Parents and friends can come and cheer on the athletes in a special section called the fan zone . But be careful! It's well organized: badges required, arrival 10 to 15 minutes early, and controlled entry. At Flyers, as in many other clubs, we make sure that each team has its own group of supporters.
The supervision: strict but reassuring 📋⏰
Vanessa explains that each day is planned down to the minute : meals, practices, travel, rest. This rigid framework helps reduce stress and helps athletes stay focused on their performance. Even the athlete-coaches have a customized schedule.
Attitude matters, even off the mat. 😇
Everyone represents the club, even on the outside! Misconduct—like swimming in a fountain… 😬—can lead to the disqualification of an entire team. As a result, all athletes, coaches, and parents must follow a clear code of conduct.
Worlds ≠ Holidays 🏖️🙅♀️
Even though it's happening at Disney, Worlds isn't a vacation ! We're not going there to party. Gyms and coaches repeat: the priority is competition. Some plan a day at the parks afterward, but only if everything is over.
An unforgettable experience 🎁💙
During the Worlds, each athlete has a unique experience: unveiling of the Worlds clothing collections (surprise mode 🎁), full support, and above all a memory for life.
As Vanessa said, it's not just about winning, it's about creating a performance that you'll be proud of for the rest of your life. The best gift? A memory that you'll still look back on in 10 years with a smile. 😊
🎯 The final word
Do you want to go to the Worlds one day? It all starts with a dream… 💭 It’s never too small. Find the environment that suits you, work hard, have fun, and who knows… one day you might even walk the blue carpet at the Worlds. 💪💫
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