How to Start a Pom Squad

Determine your age group. You can elect to start your pom squad with a range of ages, such as 4 to 18, or you can narrow your selection down to a specific age group, like 12 to 14 year olds. If you're new to teaching groups, it may be best to start with a smaller age range, then work up to a bigger range.

Decide on a practice location. A local park is a great place to have practice outside. But for unpredictable weather, check into securing a room in your local community center or school gymnasium. Contact your community center and school board leaders for availability of their locations as far as dates and times.

Outline costs and fees to join your pom squad. To begin a pom squad, there will be start-up costs. To recoup those costs, you can charge a monthly practice and/or teaching fee to your group members. Consult regional pom squads in the area, and see what they're charging, to make your rates comparable.

Recruit your pom squad members. Make fliers to hang at your local community center, schools, grocery stores and restaurants. Spread the word around concerning your new pom squad and its information, as far as practice dates and times, age range and costs to join.

Develop routines. Combine the teaching of basic pom skills and developing dance routines into one effort. Pick a song or choose a theme for each routine to build your squad's dance steps and stunts upon.

Choose outfits for your pom squad. Through a website such as Pom Express, you can pick out matching uniforms for your pom squad. To begin, you may want to select tank tops or T-shirts with shorts or leggings, and then move on to the full sequin outfits after your pom squad gains recognition.