SOUTHBURY — After filling two teams in its inaugural season, the Rochambeau Rebels competitive cheer program is expanding in year two with plans for additional teams and a new high school squad.
The Southbury-based nonprofit wrapped up its first season this spring after launching last year as a new option for families and athletes interested in competitive cheerleading.
The program runs from September through March and practices twice a week. Teams compete in YCADA-sanctioned events – the Youth Cheer and Dance Alliance, a national nonprofit that governs skill levels and competition standards – giving the Rebels the full competitive experience.
Rebels’ Board President Jamie Potter said that the response in the Rebel’s first season from area families confirmed what the founders suspected was missing in the area – a competitive cheer program that balances competition with more manageable costs and schedules for families.
“We had our need. Our community did too,” said Potter, who is also the Rebels’ Choreography Coach.
That need, it turns out, was for a program that takes the sport seriously without taking over family life entirely.
The Rebels conduct two weeknight practices and there are no mandatory parent volunteer hours. Uniforms are included in the cost of registration, which is run through Southbury Parks and Rec.
Athletes, however, are not required to be residents of Southbury.
Registration is already underway for the upcoming season for K-12 athletes until July 1st.
This past season, the cheerleaders formed a sisterhood-like bond, says Coach and Competition Manager Amy Pazmino.
With experienced leadership and in-house choreography, the Rebels’ sole focus is competitive cheer skill building, while helping athletes build teamwork, confidence, and friendships along the way.
Practices take place at both Southbury Parks and Rec and Rochambeau Middle School as teams work to perfect their routines for end-of-year competitions both out-of-state and in-state.
“It’s important to end practices on a high note,” said Meg Gavin, a coach for the Rebels as well as the nonprofit’s Vice President.
For the upcoming season, competitions will be held at the Winner’s Choice Championships (Mashantucket, Conn.), YCADA Globals (Atlantic City, NJ), and the ImpACT Cheer & Dance Challenge (East Rutherford, NJ).
Beyond the Bow
The Rebels are building something equally intentional off the competition floor.
The program’s “Beyond the Bow” initiative offers a way to give back to the community in a variety of ways throughout the year.
Rebels cheerleaders pack snacks for the Southbury Food Bank and are involved in community activities like Southbury’s annual “Art in the Park” event. You’ll also see them marching in the town’s Memorial Day Parade and at the yearly Southbury Celebration event.
While recognizing the rising costs and commitments of youth sports, the nonprofit keeps the community in mind when partnering with other businesses or nonprofits.
They have previously teamed up with local nonprofits to help raise funds for their community service initiative. Fundraising for the nonprofit helps support the purchase of equipment, uniforms, and seasonal operating costs.
“We had to create something different as parents,” said Rebels’ Secretary Holly Sullivan, noting that fees can be impactful for families involved in multiple activities.
By combining community-minded accessibility with professionally-run practices and competitions, the Rebels have built a competitive cheer program that asks for your athlete’s dedication without asking families to sacrifice everything else around it.
“This gives them structure in a positive way and builds life skills,” Sullivan added.
Why “Rebels?”
For the program’s founders, the name was a way to honor the history that connects the greater Southbury area.
Some 245 years ago, at the height of the American Revolution, General Rochambeau and George Washington’s Continental Army passed through the area, making stops in Southbury, Middlebury, and Newtown on their way to Yorktown, Virginia.
General Rochambeau united troops from different places toward a common goal. The Rebels figured the name fit.
“I’m really proud of what we’ve created,” said Potter.
Registration closes for the upcoming season on July 1st and is open to K-12 athletes from any town, no experience, no tryouts required.
For more information visit the Parks and Rec Website or Rochambeau Rebels website.
By Evan Triantafilidis
The Southbury Record 