You’ve probably seen the signature purple, black, and silver uniforms if you spend any time at local high school gymnasiums or the massive convention centers in Atlantic City and Trenton. South Jersey Storm Cheer is basically an institution in the tri-state area at this point. It’s not just about some kids throwing each other in the air, though that’s the part that looks cool on Instagram. Honestly, it’s a massive operation that has redefined what "all-star cheer" looks like in the Jersey suburbs.
People think it's just a hobby. It's not. It's a lifestyle that consumes your weekends and your wallet.
If you’re a parent in Gloucester County or Camden County looking into this, you’re probably wondering if the "Storm" hype is actually real or if it's just a bunch of intense parents and high-priced sneakers. South Jersey Storm (SJS) operates out of a specialized facility in Sewell, New Jersey, and they've been around long enough to see the sport evolve from sideline cheers to high-stakes acrobatics that genuinely require the athleticism of a D1 gymnast.
The Reality of the Sewell Facility
The gym is located on Tanyard Road. If you haven't been there, imagine a massive warehouse space that smells faintly of hairspray and sweat. It’s packed with spring floors, tumble tracks, and foam pits. This isn't a "rec" program where you show up in basketball shorts and call it a day.
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SJS is an All-Star gym. That’s a specific distinction.
Unlike school cheerleading, which focuses on supporting a sports team, South Jersey Storm Cheer is the sport. They compete under the United States All Star Federation (USASF) guidelines. This means every stunt, every pyramid, and every basket toss is governed by a strict set of levels—Level 1 through Level 6 or 7. Most people don't realize that the "Storm" isn't just one team; it's a massive umbrella for dozens of teams categorized by age and skill. They have "Tiny" teams for kids as young as three and "Senior" teams for athletes heading off to college.
Why Leveling Matters More Than You Think
Levels are everything in this world. You might think your kid is a superstar because they can do a back handspring on the grass, but at SJS, they’ll be evaluated on "technique" and "specialty passes."
- Level 1: Basics. Front rolls, cartwheels, and walkovers.
- Level 3: The jumping-off point for many. This is where you see tucks and more complex stunting.
- Level 5/6: This is the elite tier. Think full-twisting layouts and stunts that look like they're defying gravity.
The coaches here—many of whom are former college cheerleaders from big-name programs like Rutgers or Delaware—don't just hand out spots on elite teams. It’s merit-based. Sometimes brutally so. If a kid loses a skill over the summer, they might get moved. It’s a lesson in resilience, but it's also a lot of pressure for a twelve-year-old.
What It Actually Costs (The Part Nobody Likes to Discuss)
Let's be real: cheerleading is expensive. Anyone telling you otherwise is lying. When you sign up for South Jersey Storm Cheer, you aren't just paying a monthly tuition. You’re buying into a package.
There are "all-star" fees. There are uniform fees. There are bow fees—yes, the bows can cost $30 to $50 alone. Then you have the "Stay to Play" mandates for travel competitions. If the team competes at The Summit or The Cheerleading Worlds in Orlando, Florida, you’re looking at thousands of dollars in flights, hotels, and Disney park passes.
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But here is the thing.
The program offers "Half-Season" or "Prep" teams. These are the "lite" versions of the Storm experience. They stay local. The uniforms are cheaper. The time commitment is lower. It’s a great way to see if your kid actually likes the sport before you sell a kidney to pay for a trip to the ESPN Wide World of Sports.
The "Storm" Culture and Community
Is it a "dance mom" vibe? Sorta. Sometimes.
You’ll find parents who have "Storm Cheer" decals on their SUVs and spend their entire Friday nights at the gym. But there’s also a real sense of family. When a kid finally sticks their full for the first time, the whole gym usually stops and cheers. It’s loud. It’s chaotic. It’s very South Jersey.
The gym has produced athletes who go on to cheer for top-tier collegiate programs. That’s the real "product" SJS sells: a pathway to college scholarships. If you look at the banners hanging from the ceiling, you’ll see decades of wins at NCA, UCA, and various national championships. They aren't just participating; they are a dominant force in the Northeast.
Safety and the "Fear" Factor
Injuries happen. This is a contact sport.
One of the biggest misconceptions is that cheerleading is "safe" compared to football. Statistically, competitive cheerleading accounts for a high percentage of catastrophic injuries in female athletes. However, programs like South Jersey Storm invest heavily in "progression."
They don't let a kid try a layout until they’ve mastered the hollow-body position and a standing tuck. The use of "spotters" and specialized flooring at the Sewell gym is designed to mitigate risk, but you have to be okay with the fact that your kid is going to be flying six feet in the air.
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If you're nervous, watch a practice. You'll see the coaches obsessing over "grips" and "bases." The stability of the stunt is more important than the height.
How to Get Started Without Losing Your Mind
Don't just walk in and ask for the most elite team. Start with a tumble class. SJS offers clinics that are open to non-members. It’s a low-stakes way to see the facility and meet the coaches.
- Check the Evaluation Dates: Usually, tryouts happen in May. This is the "calm before the storm."
- Understand the Commitment: Full-year teams practice at least twice a week, plus mandatory tumbling. During "comp season" (January–May), your weekends are gone.
- Read the Handbook: Every gym has one. SJS is no different. Pay attention to the attendance policy. They don't care if it's your cousin's birthday; if there's a practice before a national event, you're expected to be there.
South Jersey Storm Cheer isn't for everyone. It’s intense. It’s loud. It requires a level of discipline that some kids (and parents) aren't ready for. But for the kids who live for the "mat talk" and the thrill of a 2-minute and 30-second routine, there’s nowhere else they’d rather be.
Actionable Steps for New Cheer Parents
- Audit your schedule: Look at your calendar for February and March. If you can't commit to traveling to places like Baltimore, Hershey, or AC, stick to the Prep/Half-Season teams.
- Invest in the right shoes: Don't buy generic sneakers. Brands like Nfinity or Varsity are specifically designed for the grip needed by bases and the flexibility needed by flyers.
- Focus on Tumbling first: Stunting is flashy, but tumbling is the backbone of the score sheet. If your child can't tumble, they will struggle to move up the levels regardless of how good their "spirit" is.
- Attend a local showcase: Before signing the contract, watch the SJS "Showcase" usually held at a local high school. You'll see the full range of teams and get a feel for the program's energy.
- Ask about the booster club: Fundraising is the only way many families make the travel costs work. Get involved early to offset those looming Florida bills.