Douglas County Cheer Prepares For 10th Anniversary Season, Registration Set For April 16

WINSTON, Ore. — Douglas County Cheer is preparing to launch its 10th anniversary season this spring, continuing a mission that organizers say has always centered on affordability, inclusion, and giving local youth a place to grow.

The non-competitive youth cheer program is open to Douglas County students who will be in second through eighth grade during the 2026-27 school year. Registration and a parent information meeting are scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on April 16 at the Winston Senior Center.

Founded in 2017, Douglas County Cheer was created to give children a chance to participate in cheerleading without the high cost and travel demands that often come with competitive programs.

Douglas County Cheer was founded on three core pillars:

• Inclusivity: A place for every athlete, from first-timers to seasoned pros
• Affordability: Passion is the only requirement for participation.
• Community: Keeping it local so families can focus on the fun, not the commute.

“A decade ago, DC Cheer was founded with one goal: to make sure every child has a place on the mat, regardless of their budget or ability to travel,” founder Mandy Parker said in a statement shared with The Roseburg Receiver. “We believed then — and still believe now — that passion should always come before a price tag.”

Program leaders say that philosophy still defines Douglas County Cheer today. The group does not hold tryouts or make cuts, and organizers say every child who registers makes the team.

Leadership of the program has also evolved over the years. Founder Mandy Parker stepped down after the 2021 season, followed by Shelli Yeary, who led Douglas County Cheer in 2022 and 2023. The program is now led by current president and coach Jason Neiss, a U.S. Air Force veteran who has been involved since the beginning, when his daughter Amber joined at age 7. Amber is now a junior in high school.

Current president and coach Jason Neiss said it has been rewarding to watch cheerleaders develop over the years, from beginners into confident athletes who often continue into competition cheer or school programs.

“Being a part of this program since its inception has truly been special,” Neiss said. “Watching young ladies with no idea of what cheerleading is about at the age of 7 for many of them, and watching them blossom to sassy, full of energy exceptional cheerleaders … is a truly special feeling.”

Over the years, Douglas County Cheer has become a familiar presence at events and activities across the county. Organizers say the team has:

• Participated in Winston Community Clean Up Days
• Led the Survivor Lap at Relay For Life in 2018
• Performed at nursing homes
• Provided sideline cheer for Doug Rec youth football and Winston Middle School
• Appeared at the Winston-Dillard Melon Festival
• Participated in Canyonville Pioneer Days
• Taken part in the Veterans Day Parade
• Performed at the Douglas County Fair

The program’s impact is also reflected in the experiences shared by past and current cheerleaders.

Anna M., a former Douglas County Cheer participant who later joined Umpqua All Stars and Douglas High School cheer, said the program helped shape her both on and off the mat.

“I was on DC Cheer for five years and it really shaped who I am, both as an athlete and as a person,” she said. “Over time, I’ve learned how to push past my own fears and step outside of my comfort zone.”

Another former cheerleader, Evelyn P., described the program as a place where athletes build friendships and a sense of family while learning to trust others and connect with teammates of all ages.

Current cheerleader Karlee said one of her favorite parts of the program is how kind and welcoming everyone is, adding that she enjoys being a role model for younger girls and giving back through volunteer opportunities in the community.

Luna, another current cheerleader, said the team has become much more than just a group.

“My team is not just a team; it’s family,” she said. “We have each other’s backs when it’s needed the most.”

Stella, a current cheerleader, shared that Douglas County Cheer helped her grow in confidence after dealing with bullying and shyness, saying the program helped her become stronger, more social, and more self-assured.

As the group enters its 10th season, organizers say they hope to expand community involvement even more. Plans for this year include a sponsor showcase performance and a reunion ice cream social for current and former Douglas County Cheer participants.

Organizers say they are also continuing to look for additional performance opportunities and community service projects throughout the season.

Registration details:

• Who can join: Douglas County youth entering grades 2-8 in the 2026-27 school year
• Cost: $250
• Parent information meeting and registration: 5:30 p.m. April 16
• Location: Winston Senior Center

For fore infomation, reach out with the following ways:

• Phone: 541-680-2202
• Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/DCCheerleader
• Email: douglascountycheerleaders@gmail.com

For families looking for a local, lower-cost cheer program focused on teamwork, confidence, and community involvement, Douglas County Cheer leaders say the 10th anniversary season is meant to continue the same mission the program began with nearly a decade ago.