Cheerleading
Since 1981, the Oak Lawn Outlaws Cheerleading Program has focused on recreational cheerleading, competition and community outreach. We serve multiple communities in the south suburbs of Chicago for grades K through 8th grade and are a proud member of the Southwest Midget Football League. Athletes must be at least 5 years old by July 21, 2025, and enrolled in Kindergarten for the 2024-2025 school year to begin our Cheerleading Program.
Our program is designed to provide a positive learning experience that focuses on teaching cheerleading skills and safety while having fun, building self-esteem, and teaching valuable teamwork skills. No previous cheerleading experience is required.
2025 Cheerleading Statement
Our season will begin on Monday July 21, 2025.
Team placements will be determined after registration closes, based on overall enrollment numbers, the athlete’s grade for the 2024-2025 school year, and at the discretion of the Vice President of Cheerleading, considering coaching availability.
Practice days and times will also be determined once athletes are rostered.
Our organization is run entirely by volunteers, and we rely on the dedication of our community to make each season a success. We are currently looking for coaches and team parents to help support our athletes. If you are interested or would like more information, please consider filling out an application under our Programs tab or contact a board member.
Any questions or concerns, please reach out to: Gail Stearns-Hussein, Vice President of Cheerleading (708) 212-8848 or Diana Salihar, Director of Cheerleading (708) 415-4905.
Sideline Cheer VS. Competition Cheer
Sideline
Sideline Cheerleading involves cheerleaders performing on the sidelines during football games to support the team and engage the crowd. Their primary role is to lead cheers and perform halftime routines that boost team spirit and keep fans energized throughout the game. Sideline Cheerleading if offered for athletes in grades K-8.
Sideline Cheerleaders will have the opportunity to compete locally against other cheerleaders from the Southwest Midget Football League by performing a choreographed routine at our local competition which will be held Sunday November 2, 2025.
Please see full attendance policy below, prior to registering.
Competition
Our Competition Cheerleaders are first and foremost sideline cheerleaders who cheer for our football team. Competition Cheerleading is offered for athletes in grades 1-8.
In addition, the Oak Lawn Outlaws are a proud member of the Illinois Cheerleading Association (ICA).
ICA provides competitions attended by organizations statewide, not just local. These competitions are roughly an hour or more away. The ICA has developed and promoted a State Championship that is held annually in the month of November. Not every team attends the State Championship. They must earn a bid.
Our cheerleaders will also compete locally against other cheerleaders within the Southwest Midget Football League at our local competition which will be held Sunday November 2, 2025.
Please see full attendance policy below, prior to registering.
Sideline Commitment
2 - 1.5 hour weekly practices
1 - weekend game every weekend during the season; either Saturday or Sunday
1 - local cheer competition
Sideline cheerleading offers a fantastic opportunity for individuals to experience the excitement and camaraderie of cheerleading without the extensive time and financial commitments associated with competition cheerleading.
Competition Commitment
4 - 2 hour weekly practices from 7/21-8/14.
Beginning the week of 8/18, practices will drop to 3 - 2 hour weekly practices.
1 - weekend game every weekend during the season; either Saturday or Sunday
1 - local cheer competition
3 - ICA competitions
State Championship - if a bid is earned
Competition Cheerleaders should be dedicated to the competitive aspect of the sport. Competition seasons are more intense. Coaches work with the cheerleaders to bring out the best of their abilities to showcase. Practices are tough and fun, but very rewarding.
Oak Lawn Outlaws Cheerleading Fees - 2025
Cheerleaders will be responsible for purchasing the following items on their own:
- White no show socks
- All white game day cheer shoes
- All white competition cheer shoes
- Solid, plain black leggings
Oak Lawn Outlaws Cheerleading Attendance Policy
Oak Lawn Outlaws Cheer Uniform Swap
Do you have a cheer uniform or spirit wear your athlete has outgrown or won't use and you'd like to sell? If so, join our OLO Cheer Uniform Swap page on Facebook. This is for person to person purchase ONLY. The Oak Lawn Outlaws are NOT responsible or liable for personal transactions.
Recent Cheer Accomplishments
2023
ICA
1st and 2nd Grade - State Qualifier
5th and 6th Grade - State Qualifier and 3rd place State Champion
7th and 8th Grade - State Qualifier
Southwest Midget Football League - Local Competition
PK an K - 1st place
1st and 2nd Grade - 1st place
3rd and 4th Grade - 2nd place and Grand Champion 1st Runner Up
5th and 6th Grade - 1st place and Grand Champion 1st Runner Up
7th and 8th Grade - 2nd place and Grand Champion 2nd Runner Up
2024
ICA
1st and 2nd Grade - State Qualifier and 2nd place State Champion
3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th Grade - State Qualifier
7th and 8th Grade - State Qualifier
Southwest Midget Football League - Local Competition
K and 1st Grade - 1st Place
1st and 2nd Grade - 1st Place and Grand Champion Runner Up
3rd and 4th Grade - 2nd Place
7th and 8th Grade - 1st Place and Grand Champion
2025 Season - Cheer
Registration is open!
2025 Cheerleading pricing
Sideline K-8th
Registration $435
Registration Includes:
2025 Practice T-Shirt
Cheer bow
Pink October Cheer Bow
Pink October T-Shirt
SWMFL Competition fee & music
Athlete and coaches gift
Banquet basket fee
League fees
End of season trophy
$100 worth of lotto tickets - lotto tickets can be sold as a fundraiser for $10/piece.
*Not included in registration fees*
New SIDELINE Cheerleader Package $125 (sideline uniform & warm up hoodie)
Volunteer deposit of $200 (deposit will be refunded at end of season pending family household has completed 4 volunteer shifts) Must be paid during registration.
Competition 1st-8th
RegistRATION $775
Registration Includes:
2025 Practice T-Shirt
Cheer bow
Pink October Cheer Bow
pink October T-Shirt
SWMFL Competition fee & music
ICA Competitions
Choreography
Athlete and coaches gift
Banquet basket fee
League fees
End of season trophy
$100 worth of lotto tickets - lotto tickets can be sold as a fundraiser for $10/piece.
*Not included in registration fees*
New Competition Cheerleader Package $365 (sideline uniform, competition uniform, and warm-ups)
State Fee $165 (provisional)
Volunteer deposit of $200 (deposit will be refunded at end of season pending family household has completed 4 volunteer shifts) Must be paid during registration.
All cheerleaders are responsible for purchasing:
White no show socks
all white game day shoes
all white competition shoes
solid plain black leggings