If you want a way to keep fit and make friends, it is worth considering becoming a cheerleader. There are plenty of opportunities to both support other sports teams and to compete for your own group. It is not as expensive as you may think, as the clothes you need can be bought cheaply, such as cheap cheerleading uniforms.

Firstly you need to find a cheer team. Usually there will be an advertisement for new members, and there are often a number of new people recruited at the same time. Alternatively, you could ask a squad directly if you already know which one you want to join.

The audition process varies between groups, but usually consists of dances and possibly tumbles. This could mean you have to prepare your own short performance, or there could be a series of steps that you must pick up and perform. It may help if you have basic skills like the splits, or maybe a tumble.

It can be hard to learn how to tumble. Professional guidance will lessen the risk of injury and will increase your confidence for the audition. This could be through an alternative sport like gymnastics, or you could join a cheer skills class that will prepare you for joining a performance team. There you can be taught how to perform a basic tumble, and if the class is connected with the team they could help you with general tips about how to impress.

When you have been accepted as a member, you will then need to buy your outfit. The standard dress is a skirt, shorts and top. For those cheering at outdoor events in cold weather, you may be allowed to wear a long sleeved top underneath the cheer top so as to keep warm.

Hair bows are also increasingly popular. These can be worn either with your hair up or down, so it can be suited to both competitions and sports appearances. The colour you need will be specified by your coach or captain.

A lot of the performances a cheerleader is required to do are supporting other sports teams. However, there are also specific competitions set up for cheer squads. Depending on the type of competition, your squad may choose to wear the normal outfit, or you could wear a costume. For example, a theme with matching costumes and music could make you stand out from the crowd.

If your team practises tumbling, it is very important to have supportive footwear. A good pair of trainers can be bought for little money and will last a long time. Groups that specialise in dancing may prefer dance shoes, although trainers will suit both dancing and tumbling, and are a worthy investment.

It is great fun to become a cheerleader, as you can support sports teams and compete against other groups at different levels. Cheap cheerleading uniforms, bows and trainers can all be bought when you join the squad. It may be worth asking the captain or the coach if they would consider buying such items in bulk so that each team member can buy for a cheaper price.