Before becoming a part of our family, we want to express our gratitude for your commitment to reviewing our handbook. We understand that the world of cheerleading can be complex and, at times, overwhelming due to its multifaceted nature. As a new club, this booklet serves as a unifying resource to ensure that our entire community is well-informed and aligned. We kindly ask you to read through the following pages with care.
At Sunbury Stunt and Tumble Academy lies a profound and unwavering commitment to nurturing the growth and well-being of athletes. Our driving force, our “why,” is to empower individuals of all ages, to reach their fullest potential—both physically and mentally. We believe that the pursuit of athletic excellence is not merely a physical journey but also a profound voyage of self-discovery and personal development.
In every facet of our program, we aim to instill in athletes the values of determination, resilience, teamwork, accountability, safety and self-belief. We understand that cheerleading is not just about perfecting routines or executing challenging stunts; it’s a path that fosters strength, character, and a sense of community.
We celebrate the achievements of each athlete, whether big or small, because we recognize that every step toward a goal is a triumph. Regardless of the position you hold on the team, you are equally valuable to your teammates. In cheerleading, there is no one star; we are a united team, collectively putting forth our best efforts.
We firmly believe that by focusing on foundational elements such as strength, conditioning, proper technique, and safety, we provide our athletes with the tools they need to embark on their
cheerleading journeys. Our dedicated coaches and staff are here not just to teach skills but to guide individuals towards becoming strong and confident cheerleaders who can tackle any challenge.
Furthermore, we acknowledge that the world of cheerleading extends beyond the physical realm. It’s a mental and emotional undertaking where dedication, focus, and passion play pivotal roles. Our mission is to nurture these aspects, too, by offering unwavering support, mentorship, and a nurturing environment that encourages personal growth.
Sunbury Stunt and Tumble Academy (STA) is proudly owned and operated by Sunbury locals Lauren and Nick Mamalis, who have deep roots in the Sunbury community. Lauren’s journey in the cheerleading industry is built upon a lifelong foundation of dance training at Sunbury’s esteemed Shirley Rodger’s Academy of Dance.
Lauren embarked on her cheerleading coaching career at Signature Allstar in 2015, marking the beginning of her dedication to this dynamic sport. In 2016, Lauren and Nick temporarily relocated to Kilmore, where they achieved the remarkable feat of owning and running the award-winning Kilmore Arctics Cheer and Dance from 2016 to 2019. Following their return to Sunbury, they continued to contribute to the cheerleading community by coaching at Signature Allstars from 2020 to 2023.
Over the span of a decade, Lauren and Nick have not only coached but have also grown, evolved, and fostered invaluable connections within the ever-evolving world of all-star cheerleading, both in Australia and internationally, including in the United States and Canada. Their wealth of experience and passion for the sport are integral to the fabric of Sunbury Stunt and Tumble Academy.
All-star cheerleading is all about being part of an amazing team. It’s a sport that requires dedication, strength, and unity. You get to learn impressive stunts, perfect your tumbling skills, and perform incredible jumps. But what’s most exciting is the performance.
Picture this: You and your talented teammates showcasing your skills in front of a big, cheering crowd. It’s like being a superstar on the mat. You work hard, push your limits, and the feeling of nailing a routine is indescribable. It’s all about that adrenaline rush, teamwork, and the thrill of delivering a fantastic performance. Cheerleading brings out the best in you, and it’s so much more than just a sport; it’s an incredible experience!
In cheerleading, teams range from 8 to 32 athletes, organized by age divisions and skill levels. In our inaugural year, we will focus on skills ranging from novice to level 4 in 2024. Currently, our program is designed for students aged 6 and up, with options available for our younger athletes (2-6 years).
At Sunbury Stunt and Tumble Academy, our main focus and specialty lie in our Skill Set classes, which take center stage in our programs. Our dedicated coaches are here to guide athletes through specialized classes that comprehensively cover every aspect of cheerleading. Athletes enrolled in our Skill Set program will experience targeted training sessions lasting between 2 to 3 hours per week. We place a strong emphasis on the fundamental building blocks of cheerleading, including tumbling, stunts, and conditioning. These classes are meticulously crafted to elevate technique, enhance strength, and boost endurance. Our ultimate goal is to empower athletes with the skills they need to perform an exhilarating 2-minute and 30-second routine, encompassing stunts, tumbling, pyramids, jumps, motions, and dance.
In our first year, our primary focus will be on Skill Set classes. Additionally, we will be considering the introduction of a development program starting in Term 3. This development program will serve as a pathway to semi-competitive or elite-level cheerleading, providing athletes with the opportunity to participate in 1-2 competitions by the end of 2024 as they prepare for a full 2025 season. Athletes choosing the development program will be expected to commit to at least 2 days of training per week.
Comprehensive Training: Athletes enrolling in our Skill Set classes at Sunbury Stunt and Tumble Academy gain access to a comprehensive training package covering conditioning, tumbling, and stunting.
Holistic Approach: Please note that these classes are not offered for individual enrollment; they are designed to provide a holistic training experience, emphasizing overall cheerleading skill development.
Inclusive Focus: In the upcoming year, our primary focus is on delivering an elite non-competitive program. This program welcomes athletes of all backgrounds, irrespective of prior experience or skill level.
Three Specialized Classes: Our innovative training approach is divided into three distinct classes: stunts, conditioning, and tumbling, each tailored to concentrate on specific aspects of cheerleading.
Weekly Engagement: Throughout the training sessions, athletes participate in these key classes every week. They have the opportunity to explore stunt techniques, enhance their physical conditioning, and develop their tumbling skills.
Personalized Progression: Our program is structured to allow athletes to progress at their own pace, aligned with their age and skill level. This approach ensures they can fully experience the breadth of cheerleading while honing their techniques and skill sets.
Ideal Introduction: The Elite Skill Set Program serves as the perfect introduction to the world of all-star cheerleading, providing a strong foundation and skill refinement.
Commitment to Excellence: At Sunbury Stunt and Tumble Academy, we are committed to providing a comprehensive cheerleading experience that fosters growth, skill mastery, and a deep appreciation for the sport.
Upon the successful completion of the first two terms of our 2024 Skill Set classes, athletes become eligible to apply for our Development Team Program, which operates during Terms 3 and 4 of the same year. This program is carefully crafted to provide athletes with a taste of the competitive cheerleading world, laying the groundwork for the 2025 season.
In addition to their continued Skill Set class training, athletes will engage in dedicated choreography sessions for two hours per week. These sessions focus on creating a performance routine for 1-2 competitions scheduled at the end of 2024.
Moreover, for athletes selected as flyers, we offer a specialized Flyer Flexibility and Stretch class, lasting 30 minutes per week.
It’s essential to note that in 2024, we will not offer Semi-Competitive and Elite teams, as we are in the initial stages of establishing our new club. Our primary goal is to provide all athletes with the best environment for development and progression before entering the competitive cheerleading arena. However, we are actively working toward introducing these programs in 2025 to expand the offerings at Sunbury Stunt and Tumble Academy.
Athletes should come dressed in comfortable, athletic clothing. Additionally, it’s important to note that athletes will need to purchase white cheer shoes. We also offer a range of club merchandise, including a club T-shirt and other items, available for purchase if you wish to show your support and be a part of the Sunbury Stunt and Tumble Academy community. Don’t forget to bring a water bottle to stay hydrated during your classes!
Personal Care and Hygiene: At Sunbury Stunt and Tumble Academy, safety and hygiene are paramount during training and performances. Our Grooming Policy ensures athlete well-being and a clean training environment:
Hair: All athletes must tie back their hair to prevent obstruction of vision during activities and maintain a clear line of sight for coaches and fellow athletes.
Jewelry: Athletes must remove all jewelry before training or performances, including earrings, nose rings, belly rings, and inner ear rings, to prevent potential injuries.
Fingernails: Athletes must keep fingernails short to ensure safety during cheerleading activities. This includes practices, classes, and performances. Those wearing fake nails should maintain a safe length to avoid potential risks, such as scratching teammates or nail accidents.
While the recreational Skill Set programs do not have a strict attendance policy, please keep in mind the following:
At Sunbury Stunt and Tumble Academy, we prioritize the safety, skill development, and overall experience of our athletes. To achieve these goals, we place a strong emphasis on regular attendance in our classes and programs, including the following reasons:
Team Unity: Cheerleading is a team sport, and regular attendance plays a crucial role in fostering teamwork and maintaining a sense of unity among athletes.
Skill Progression: Consistent participation in our programs allows athletes to make steady progress in developing their skills, ensuring they reach their full potential.
Consideration: Attending every session is an act of consideration not only for your own progress but also for your fellow athletes and coaches, contributing to a positive and supportive training environment.
Please be aware that our competitive teams and developmental teams have specific attendance requirements that must be met to maintain your position in these programs and attendance in Skill Set classes will be taken into consideration when determining eligibility in regards to commitment for the developmental teams later in the year.
Absolutely, our coaches and instructors are not only experienced and dedicated but also committed to staying at the forefront of cheerleading education. They prioritize the safety and skill development of all athletes. To ensure they are well-versed in the most current techniques, skills, and safety measures, our coaches actively engage in comprehensive professional development on a regular basis. Additionally, they re-credential every three years, guaranteeing that they remain up to date with the latest industry standards and best practices.
Coaches are all qualified in the appropriate levels that they are teaching through International Cheerleading Union (ICU). While we will have coaches in a class that may be qualified at a lower level they are in there in a learning capacity and will never be left alone to coach a level that they are not appropriately qualified for.
At Sunbury Stunt and Tumble Academy safety is one of our top priorities. We focus on educating athletes about the importance of proper safety techniques in cheerleading and use safety equipment such as crash mats and tumbling equipment to help progress student and help our coaches safely as well. We also focus on smaller ratios of coach to athlete numbers. While some cheerleading and dance studios can have 1 coach to up to 25 or 30 Athletes we believe that by having smaller ratios we can provide a safer environment and allow the best coaching scenarios for your athletes. We run Ratios at 1 coach to 4 athletes with our tiny tumbling classes and 1 coach to 6 athletes in our Skillset classes. We also try our best to have at least 2 coaches out with the classes at all times.
In 2024, we are primarily focusing on non-competitive programs and skill development. We plan to introduce competitive teams in 2025. This is to allow new students and to learn about how we coach, to bond with other athletes and coaches, learn to be safe and for the athletes and parents to understand any expectations and commitments of being on a competitive teams.
We will be offering ongoing pathway for athletes to continue skill development and training. As our club grows more options and levels will be introduced to cater to different needs and aspirations.
You’ve raised an excellent question. It’s important to recognize that every cheerleading club has its own unique set of rules, expectations, and training methods. At Sunbury Stunt and Tumble Academy, we know that our approach differs from many other clubs, and here’s why:
We place a high value on building strong connections with our athletes and their families. Our aim is for you to become acquainted with our coaching techniques and our expectations, just as we want to understand you better. Committing to a year-long competitive contract is a significant step, both physically and financially. Therefore, it’s crucial that you feel secure, at ease, and confident in our club before making such a substantial commitment.
Should you ever have doubts during this process, please know that it’s perfectly okay. We are more than willing to connect you with other exceptional clubs that may better suit your needs and preferences. We recognize that our approach may differ from what you’ve encountered elsewhere, but we’ve found that it yields the best results for both us and our athletes.
If you possess patience, dedication, and a willingness to put in the effort, we can assure you that your journey in cheerleading with us will be an amazing and rewarding experience. Your safety, well-being, and progress are our top priorities, and we are thrilled to embark on this journey alongside you.
You are most welcome to remain in our skill set classes for as long as you desire. As our club expands, we will introduce further skill levels, ensuring that you have the chance to pursue ongoing training in a recreational setting. Be assured that opting to stay in these classes will not hinder your progress or skill enhancement as an athlete. Your journey with us can continuously unfold and adapt as we expand and present more choices to cater to your requirements.
Absolutely! We understand that you may want to explore our classes before making a commitment. We understand that starting a new sport or at a new club or studio can be a daunting experience or if the fit is not right then we don’t want you to be stuck doing something you are not enjoying. Please reach out to us to inquire about trialing a class.
We welcome athletes of all ages. Specific class and program age requirements will be provided in our program descriptions. We don’t just take into account an athletes age when deciding on an appropriate class but also their development and maturity when deciding on which class they should participate into this is why you will see overlapping age groups in all of our classes.
Certainly, we have a designated observation viewing area upstairs where parents and guardians can watch the classes without distracting the athletes. This setup ensures the best experience for all Athletes, Coaches and Parents involved.
At Sunbury Stunt and Tumble Academy, we value open, transparent, and timely communication to foster a supportive community. Here’s how we keep you informed:
Website:
Visit our website for program info, schedules, and more.
Use the online portal for registration and billing.
Class Manager:
Register online and access athlete details.
Class updates via text messages (ensure updated contacts).
Social Media:
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok for updates and achievements.
Official communication via email, not on main social pages.
Email, Phone, and Texts:
Club info via email from our admin team.
Send official messages to the club via email.
Contact us directly by phone or text; expect replies within 48 hours.
We’re dedicated to a positive and inclusive stunting and tumbling experience. Join us in building a vibrant, supportive community at Sunbury Stunt and Tumble Academy.
For our full communication policy please see your policy and procedures located in the foyer and on our website
