FloCheer is highlighting the small gyms and programs that help elevate All Star cheer and build champion athletes on and off the mat for Small Gym September. This week, we’re excited to share the story of Island Cheer & Tumbling! The program has only been competing in All Star since 2023, and they make magic happen from an island in Maine! They have already put their name on the map by attending their first D2 Summit last season and making it to finals! Here is more of their story: 

Quick Hits with Island Cheer & Tumbling:

• Location: Deer Isle, Maine
• First Year: Started as a rec team in 2021, Switched to All Star in 2023
• Number of Teams This Season: 8 teams including novice 
• Website - Click here for more

The Story of Island Cheer & Tumbling: 

We are a small tightly bonded program located on an island off the coast of Downeast Maine. We attended our first D2 Summit last season and were finalists in the Senior 3 Small Division. This season, we have grown to 70 athletes, some of which travel 2 hours to and from our unconventionally located gym on the Island of Deer Isle, Maine. We first started with eight athletes during our first season in a rented space on the island that used to be a dance hall. Now we are in our own facility, the only sports facility on the island, Island Cheer & Tumbling!

- Amber Jones, Owner of Island Cheer & Tumbling 

Fun Facts about Island Cheer & Tumbling: 

• Our favorite fact is that we are located on an island and that many of our athletes could take a boat to practice quicker than they could drive. We have had students from outer islands that have to ferry in for classes. Our athletes come from all over Downeast Maine, some traveling 2+ hours to be a part of our program. Our program is known for our sportsmanship and commitment to a positive gym culture. We love that our athletes and parents are bonded, and as a result our athletes are stronger than ever. 
• Our gym is located 50 feet from Penobscot Bay where many athletes' fathers work in the commercial fishing industry. 
• Our athletes have to travel further and be more committed than some who don't have the hurdle of a gym located on an island but this makes our team practices strong and committed to greatness. We hope to climb to the top spots at the d2 summit. 

What Makes The Program Special:

What makes our program special is the level of commitment and how hard these athletes have to work to participate. Our program often has to travel pretty far for opportunities in this sport, and we're really proud of the fact that we do just that. It's special to see our sense of community in our gym and the love our athletes and families have for each other.

- Amber Jones, Owner of Island Cheer & Tumbling 

Goals For The Upcoming Season: 

We are really looking forward to earning At-Large Bids to The D2 Summit. Our goal is to see our teams in finals at The D2 Summit, but beyond that to have a memorable season and put Island Cheer on the map as a real contender, strong and capable no matter the difficulties that come from our location and size!