Katonah-Lewisboro (April 2025) - John Jay Youth Cheerleading has announced the addition of Onyx Squad, a performance squad for 7th and 8th graders, as part of its upcoming fourth season. The recreational volunteer-based youth sports program, which is under the umbrella of the area’s longstanding John Jay Youth Football & Cheer, will also bring back its Spirit Squad for 1st & 2nd graders alongside its traditional Sideline squads for 3rd through 6th graders.
Launched in 2021, John Jay Youth Cheerleading has grown steadily from its inception to an impressive 72 cheerleaders, with numbers expected to increase in its Fall 2025 season. Its Co-Directors, Barbara Accetta and Taryn Walsh, are confident in the continued growth of the program and its solid future in the community. “We feel fortunate to have a Board that supports our vision for cheer and encourages us to create opportunities for our cheerleaders beyond the short season,” said Accetta. “Taryn and I strive to create a dynamic program that prioritizes both athleticism and inclusivity in a positive atmosphere, and we’ve built a strong foundation of growth-driven cheer training coupled with a heavy focus on squad bonding and self-empowerment.”
The nonprofit program introduced its first round of fundraising last season: a Double Good Popcorn fundraiser that provided the boost needed for program “extras,” including an exciting end-of-season banquet (with a photobooth!) at Bedford Historic Hall celebrating each cheerleader and parent volunteers. “We celebrate our cheerleaders at every practice, game, and milestone in their cheer journey,” said Walsh. “As a result, we see their confidence grow and our cheerleaders become each other’s cheerleaders, on and off the cheer track. It’s a heartwarming thing to witness and we’re honored to be driving that connection.”
The program invites volunteers in various capacities each season. “We have two volunteer Coaches who have been with us for a while and are so valuable to our program,” said Walsh. “We also need more Coaches as our program numbers grow, and cheer experience isn’t needed. We’ll teach Coaches everything they need to know!”
John Jay Youth Cheerleading registration for its Fall 2025 season is now open through May 15th at www.jjyf.org. No late registrations will be accepted. For all information, visit John Jay Youth Cheer on Instagram and Facebook at @johnjayyouthcheer. There will be a no-obligation 2-day NCA Cheer Camp open to interested and returning cheerleaders on June 21st and 22nd at John Jay High School. More details (including registration and fees) can be found on social media at @johnjayyouthcheer.
About John Jay Youth Football & Cheer
John Jay Youth Football & Cheer (JJYF&C) was established in 1975 and continues to be a staple in the local youth athletic community. The nonprofit organization offers youth tackle football programs from 3rd through 6th grade and recreational cheer for 1st through 8th grade. JJYF&C prides itself on teaching youth athletes the sports of football and cheer, and instilling the character, commitment, respect and the camaraderie it takes to be a successful team member and person. JJYF&C is a chartered member of USA Football and Youth Cheer, and is nationally recognized as one of the premier youth football programs in the country with a Bronze League Excellence Award. The program is also recognized within USA Football’s League Excellence Program for adhering to some of the highest standards across all youth sports to deliver a fun, competitive, and player-first environment. JJYF&C cheerleading coaches are certified through American Youth Cheer (AYC), YCADA, and USA Cheer. For more information, visit www.jjyf.org.
Media Inquiries & Interview Requests:
Barbara Accetta
John Jay Youth Cheer Sideline Director
914-703-2268
