What ages does Iowa Ambush Cheer accept?

We have teams for athletes ages 3 through 18. Tiny Tigers starts at age 3 (PreK–K), and our competition teams go up through Senior Prep.

When are Team Placements?

Team Placements are held once a year in early summer, ahead of the August season start. The date and sign-up link are posted on our Join page. Families can also ask Coach Sarah about joining a team mid-season.

Do I need cheer experience to join?

No experience required for our recreation teams or Intro to Ambush class. Coaches teach skills progressively from tumbling basics through advanced stunting.

How much does cheer at Iowa Ambush cost?

Recreation team tuition starts at $600 for the season ($92/month). Competition teams range from $1,150–$1,305 ($160–$182/month). See our Teams page for full pricing.

What is Intro to Ambush?

Intro to Ambush is a 6-week class for athletes ages 6–12 with no cheer experience, held Thursdays for $125. It's the easiest way to try cheer before committing to a team.

Where is the gym located?

Iowa Ambush Cheer is located at 27759 Fairground Rd, Adel, Iowa 50003. We serve families from Adel, Waukee, Dallas Center, Van Meter, De Soto, and the West Des Moines area.

Join the Pack — Iowa Ambush Cheer

Three ways to start

Pick your starting line.

Step 1 · Try It

Intro to Ambush

Brand new to cheer? Test it out with our 6-week class for ages 6–12. No team commitment, includes a t-shirt.

Learn more

Step 2 · Place

Team Placement Day

Coaches evaluate athletes and place them on the team that fits their age and skill level. June 6th for the 2026–27 season.

Coaches place athletes on the team that fits their age and skill level. Placements for the 2027–28 season will be posted here. Want a heads-up?

Sign up now Get on the list

Step 3 · Cheer

First Practice

Practices begin August 3rd. Practice nights depend on your athlete's team.

The 2026–27 season is underway. See practice nights for every team on the weekly schedule.

See schedule

Young cheerleaders in black Ambush tank tops with red bows

New 6-Week Class

Intro to Ambush.

A 6-week cheer program for kids ages 6–12 who want to see what cheer is all about — without the commitment of joining one of our teams.

📅 Thursdays · 6 weeks
💰 $125
🎯 Ages 6–12 · No prior experience needed
💪 Motions, jumps, stunting fundamentals & tumbling intro
📍 27759 Fairground Rd, Adel, IA

A great stepping stone into our recreation or competition programs.

Contact Coach Sarah

For team placement

Tryouts & placement.

Iowa Ambush Cheer holds a single Team Placement Day where coaches evaluate athletes and place them on the team that fits their age and current skill level.

Coming up

Loading dates…

What to bring Athletic clothes you can move in, hair pulled back, clean cheer/athletic shoes, water. No jewelry — including stud earrings.

Skills evaluated Tumbling, jumps, motion technique, and stunting basics. Don't stress — coaches are looking for potential as much as polish.

Team placements Decisions are made by coaches based on age, skill, and team chemistry. Placements depend on enrollment and may change as needed.

After placement Coach Sarah will reach out within a week with team placement, practice schedule, and uniform fitting details.

Placements for the 2026–27 season are complete. Interested in joining now? Contact Coach Sarah to ask about open spots, or get on the list for next season's placements.

Sign Up for Team Placements Get on the Placements List Questions? Contact Coach Sarah

Costs

What it costs to cheer.

Pay in full, split into two payments, or pay monthly (due on the 1st).

Team	Track	Tuition	Monthly
Tiny Tigers	Recreation	$600	$92/mo
Streak	Recreation	$755	$115/mo
Roar	Recreation	$805	$123/mo
Blaze	Comp · Novice	$1,150	$160/mo
Fierce	Comp · Youth Prep	$1,305	$182/mo
Vicious	Comp · Junior Prep	$1,305	$182/mo
Savage	Comp · Senior Prep	$1,305	$182/mo

Year 1 of our new uniform rotation — all athletes will purchase the new uniform package. A $25 late fee applies to payments not received by the 10th. 3.5% credit-card processing fee. $250 mid-season withdrawal fee. No refunds.

See full cost breakdown

Beyond practice

More ways to grow.

Tumbling, Open Gyms, and fundraisers — athletes work hard on and off the mat.

Open Gym

Skill work, no pressure.

Optional Open Gyms throughout the season — athletes work on skills independently in a fun, supervised setting.

$5 cash or check
Minimum 4 athletes to run
Dates announced via Facebook & GroupMe

Tumbling

Private & group sessions.

Tumbling opportunities run all year and are strongly encouraged for athletes who want to strengthen skills used in routines and performances.

Ask Coach Sarah

Fundraising

Offset cheer expenses.

Athletes can apply fundraising earnings toward tuition, uniforms, competition fees, apparel, and travel.

Opportunities announced throughout the season
Open to all athletes & families

Join the Pack