Smedley Elementary Cheer Squad Set to Make History at UCA Nationals
The Smedley Bulldog Blitz cheerleaders from Frankford are poised to become the first inner-city public elementary school team from Philadelphia to compete at the Universal Cheerleaders Association (UCA) Nationals in Florida. The squad, comprised of 22 girls ranging from first to sixth grade, secured their spot at the prestigious event after winning regional competitions, marking a significant milestone for a program that began as an afterschool initiative just three years ago.
The team’s journey to the national stage highlights a rapid ascent for the young athletes, many of whom had no prior cheerleading experience before joining the squad in 2022. Coaches Ana Rosario and Jada West have credited the team’s success to intense dedication and a willingness to master complex routines. The squad has been practicing rigorously to prepare for the competition, which evaluates teams on technical execution, synchronization, and performance quality.
While the team’s qualification is a cause for celebration, it also underscores significant disparities in youth sports access. Competitive cheerleading is often criticized for its high financial barrier to entry, with costs for travel, uniforms, and competition fees frequently excluding teams from underfunded districts. The Smedley squad faced these financial obstacles head-on, engaging in months of community fundraising and securing a critical $30,000 grant to finance their trip to the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. Without this external financial support, participation in a national-level event would likely remain out of reach for many public school programs.
Safety remains another focal point of discussion surrounding youth cheerleading at competitive levels. As routines become more athletic, involving intricate stunts and tumbling, the risk of injury has drawn attention from medical professionals. The American Academy of Pediatrics has previously noted that while overall injury rates in cheerleading may be lower than in some other contact sports, the injuries that do occur—such as concussions and fractures—can be severe. Coaching staff for the Bulldog Blitz emphasize safety and proper technique, ensuring the young athletes are physically prepared for the demands of national competition.
The Smedley team also distinguishes itself academically, with reports indicating the squad members represent some of the highest PSSA scores across all grade levels at their school. This dual focus on athletics and academics challenges the stereotype that intense sports participation detracts from educational performance.
As the team prepares to depart for Florida, they carry the distinction of breaking a barrier for Philadelphia public schools. Their participation in the 2026 UCA Nationals places them on a stage typically dominated by well-resourced private clubs and suburban school districts, potentially paving the way for increased representation of inner-city teams in future national competitions.
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