Swift Current’s cheerleading group, Western Cheer, is making innovative changes in the world of sport. Following the slogan, “We Do Sport Differently,” they aim to make their classes an accepting and empowering space for all.
Western Cheer’s new owner, Madison Biem, has always had a passion for teaching, uplifting her peers, and cheerleading. From a young age, she dreamt of becoming a cheerleader, looking up to popular cheer teams and movies like Bring It On. But she never had the chance to do anything more.
“Growing up in Saskatoon, my mom couldn’t afford to put me into cheerleading, so she signed me up for a six-week program through the YMCA,” said Biem. “I was so excited, but when I got there, the coaches never showed up, and it broke my heart.”
When Biem found out Swift Current was getting its own cheer program, she jumped into action, hoping to create a space where kids like her could live their dreams and find a place where they belong. As a teacher, Biem knew that coaching these teams would be a natural transition for her, and it has since become “the best thing ever.”
“I started coaching during their second season,” she said, “and when the opportunity came up for me to buy the business, I thought about myself when I was a kid, and how [cheer] was never an option for me, and I didn’t want it to be taken away from the kids. I wanted kids who might not be able to afford organized sport to have the opportunity that I never had.”
As the new owner, Biem is working towards making the sport more and more accessible. Everyone is welcome at Western Cheer – all genders, all body types, all skill levels. Even in competitive groups, the goal isn’t to be the best team and win every competition – it’s to help kids grow strong and confident as athletes and as people.
“I want athletes to have that opportunity to come in and be able to live out their cheer dreams, or just try it out, or even just have a place to run around and have fun,” said Biem. “There’s a spot here for everyone; you'll be accepted, respected, and valued no matter who you are. It’s a safe space where no one is going to judge you.”
Western Cheer offers cheerleading classes for kids aged three to eighteen. Competitive classes are available until age sixteen, and the recreational program, Western Bells, is available until age eighteen. Extra classes are available outside of the competitive season for those who wish to work on their skills.
Other programs offered include the Ninja Classes, which involve creating and running obstacle courses, and Parent and Tot classes, where parents can join their children as they play in the cheer gym and explore the sport.
During the Western Cheer programs, athletes will work on learning new skills like tumbling and stunting alongside Saskatchewan Cheer Association certified coaches. Biem also places a high importance on building their mental strength during every practice.
“We really try to focus on building the athlete, not just physically, but mentally,” said Biem. “We end every class with what we call character chats, where we choose a word and break down what it means to everyone. So, for example, we’ll talk about sportsmanship, or teamwork, or confidence, just to try to create a better environment for our athletes both on the team and in their personal lives.”
In the few years Biem has been coaching with Western Cheer, the most rewarding aspect has been seeing the athletes gain confidence, not just in their cheer skills, but in themselves, too.
“A lot of times, our kids come in and don’t feel confident in themselves, or they haven’t had the chance to find a passion for something,” she said. “It’s so rewarding to see them improve and gain confidence in their movements. Sometimes they just need a little bit of encouragement, or that safe space to get them through those mental blocks. Our number one goal is being able to offer that to them.”
Biem is incredibly grateful for the opportunity to help these kids find their passion with Western Cheer and is thrilled by the community’s offers of support and partnerships to expand their programs. She’s looking forward to seeing all the new and returning faces in the next season!
The Western Cheer competitive season begins in August, with the final competition taking place in March. Optional training classes are available throughout the spring and summer. Recreational programs are available throughout the year.
To learn more about the Western Cheer programs, or to register, you can get in touch at WesternCheer.ca, or check them out on Facebook.