Photo Credit: No credit needed
A former cheerleader, dancer and model, I somehow wound up with two boys who LOVE football. While I watch them at practice, and pray that neither breaks any bones, I am distracted by cheerleading practice in the distance. As the girls ages 5 through 15 practice their stunts and cheers, one of them suddenly tumbles from the top of a pyramid onto a matted area, smashes her head and bursts into tears; she is forced to lie still and await medical attention.
In recent years, cheerleading injuries have surpassed football injuries in severity. The sport begs for more creativity each year--tossing girls higher, building taller pyramids, and designing more intricate details of how to mount and dismount during routines--all of which can lead to increased risk. When considering the maturity level needed to hold someone up during a stunt, one may ask if a young adult even has that capability.
This is not to suggest that cheerleading is not a successful and exhilarating way to remain active, flexible and strong. However, what if there was another sport available to young women that would also benefit them in the future?
