BEFORE YOU APPLY...
Please read the full Try-Out Information below, including eligibility requirements, key dates, submission requirements and FAQs. This information should answer all your questions ahead of appying.
For enquiries, please contact: teamaus-cheer@australiancheerunion.org
WHO CAN APPLY?
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An Australian citizen; or
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A permanent resident who has held permanent residency in Australia for a minimum of six consecutive months by the relevant competition date; and
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Eligible for the relevant age group and division outlined below.
Age group and division specific requirements are as listed and are subject to the relevant 2027 competition regulations.
AGE GROUP: SENIOR
TEAMS: TACO
Birth Years: Born 2011 or earlier
Division: Co-Ed
Select Division
(Level 6–7 equivalent)
AGE GROUP: SENIOR
TEAMS: TAAG
Birth Years: Born 2011 or earlier
Division: All Girl
Select Division
(Level 6–7 equivalent)
AGE GROUP: JUNIOR
TEAMS: JUCO
Birth Years: Born 2008-2012
Genders: Co-Ed
Division: Elite Division
(Level 5-6 equivalent)
AGE GROUP: JUNIOR
TEAMS: JAG
Birth Years: Born 2008-2012
Genders: All Girl
Division: Elite Division
(Level 5-6 equivalent)
AGE GROUP: YOUTH
TEAMS: YUCO
Birth Years: 2012-2015
Genders: Co-Ed
Division: Advanced Division
(Level 4 equivalent)
AGE GROUP: YOUTH
TEAMS: YUAG
Birth Years: 2012-2015
Genders: All Girl
Division: Advanced Division(Level 4 equivalent)
Please note: Teams and divisions are subject to final selection and team viability. ACU reserves the right to adjust team composition, divisions or the number of teams based on athlete selection and program requirements.
KEY DATES
Video Try-Out Submissions Open
| 5 October 2026
In-Person Try-Out Clinics
| October 2026
Video Try-Out Submissions Close
| 30 October 2026
Selection, offers & announcement
| November 2026
Full Team E-Welcome
| November 2026
ACU Training Camp #1
| January 2027
ACU Training Camp #2
| February 2027
ACU Training Camp #3
| April 2026
Competition (Orlando)
| Arrival on or before 16th April, with competition
from 21st to 23rd April 2027
HOW SELECTION WORKS
1. Apply
Complete the Team Australia 2027 Cheer application form.
2. Try Out
Submit your video and/or attend an in-person try-out.
3. Assessment
The Selection Committee will assess applications, videos and in-person try-outs.
4. Shortlist
Some athletes may be asked to provide additional information, skills videos or references.
5. Final Selection
Final teams are selected by the Selection Committee and subject to the required ACU approval.
6. Offer
Successful athletes will receive a formal offer and information about the next steps.
WHAT DO I NEED TO DO TO TRY-OUT?
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Complete the 2027 Application form (PLEASE NOTE: this is separate to the EOI form).
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Submit a try-out video that meets the requirements outlined below before 5pm AEDT, 30 October 2026.
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Pay the required try-out fee.
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Attend an in-person try-out clinic where possible. This is not mandatory, but is highly recommended where available.
TRY-OUT VIDEO REQUIREMENTS
INTRODUCTION
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Your name
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City and state
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Current highest competition division and/or recent relevant division
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Why you would like to represent Team Australia
SKILLS
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Requested stunt sequences (all skills to be on a 1 or 5 with a maximum of 8 to 12 counts in between)
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Individual stunt skills
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Basket tosses
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Tumbling skills
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Body lines on both legs (flyers only)
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Chant
VIDEO REQUIREMENTS
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Maximum video length of 4 minutes
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Film in landscape (horizontal) format.
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Keep the athlete and the full skill clearly in frame for the entire performance.
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The camera should remain stationary and should not follow the athlete. Exception: Running tumbling passes may be filmed with the camera moving as needed to keep the athlete in frame.
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Stunt Sequences to be one continuous unedited video, multiple attempts/versions can be submitted where necessary.
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File upload via submission form
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Clear lighting, Audio with no filters/effects, speed alterations or AI enhancements
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Upload your video to YouTube as an Unlisted video and paste the link below. Full video submission instructions are available on the submission portal HERE.
IN-PERSON TRY OUTS
Where possible, we’re aiming to offer in-person try-out sessions in each state, so athletes can showcase their skills in person. While these are not mandatory, they are highly recommended.
For more information about in-person try-outs please click HERE.
TRY-OUT FEES
Initial Try-Out Fee $35.00AUD
In-Person Try-Out Fee $15.00AUD
Your try-out fee supports the administration and assessment of your application by ACU-approved, accredited selection and coaching panel as well as operational requirements for in-person portions.
Payment to be made when submitting your try-out application form HERE.
Additional costs apply if selected for Team Australia. Further information will be provided to successful athletes.
FAQS
Can I apply as an Individual or a Group?
Both. There is no preference for applying as an individual or as part of a group. Both pathways will be assessed through the selection process. Applying as an individual: You can attend an in-person try-out and will be placed into a group where possible so your skills can be assessed. Applying as a group: You can attend together, however groups are not guaranteed to stay together. Group combinations may be adjusted during the selection process to create the strongest possible teams. Whether you apply individually or as part of a group, your application will be assessed on the same basis.
What Assessment Criteria Will Selectors Use?
Selectors will assess: - Skill level and difficulty across tumbling, stunts and basket tosses. - Technique, execution, control and consistency. - Speciality skills and overall skillset. - Team balance, including the required mix of stunt, toss and tumbling skills. - Coachability and adaptability. - Previous Team Australia involvement and references, where applicable. - How your skills contribute to the overall team.
What if I do not have the specific required tumble skills?
Tumbling is considered as part of the overall team skillset. Full team tumbling is preferred where possible, however team selection is based on the overall skill mix, division requirements and scoresheet weightings. Scoresheet weighting: - Stunt: 25% - Pyramid: 25% - Tosses: 15% - Tumbling: 10% - Chant: 10% - Overall presentation & crowd appeal: 10% - Routine flow & transitions: 5%
Will there be alternates selected? If so, how many?
Yes. Up to 8 alternates may be selected for each team. Alternates are selected based on the overall team requirements and may be chosen for specific skills or positions, including stunting, tumbling, basket tosses and speciality skills. Selection of alternates is not guaranteed and will depend on the needs and composition of each team.
What Commitment Is Required If I Am Selected?
Selection for Team Australia is a commitment to the full program. Athletes must be available and committed to: - Weekly training, either self-organised or through an approved Team Australia training session. - Full attendance at all required training camps. - The full Orlando campaign, including team training, ESPN warm-up floor training, Opening Ceremony, competition and awards. Athletes should only apply if they can commit to the full training and competition program.
The skills matrix has three different difficulty levels, do I need to perform everything?
No, when attempting and filming the sequences/individual skills please show the highest difficulty skill you can perform safety and consistently. Please also refer to Assessment Criteria Three different levels of skills have been provided being: - Highly desired: Skills deemed at the high end of the difficulty range for the level - Desired: Desired Level appropriate skills for the level = Foundational: Non-level or level appropriate that demonstrate foundational technique for the desired skills When attempting the skill sequences it is possible to perform a mix of each different level. See Assessment Criteria If a Desired or Highly desired skill is shown then the lower difficulty variation of the skill is not required and capability is assumed. Please perform all distinct skills capable across the difficulty levels.
What if I can't attend an In-person try-out due to other commitments?
Please get in contact and if there are sufficient numbers and coach availability another session may be arranged. Please email teamaus-cheer@australiancheerunion.org.