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 sharing the story of Beyond Cheer Athletics from New York City!
Quick Hits with Beyond Cheer Athletics:
Location: New York City
First Year: 2020
Number of Teams This Season: 7 teams
Website - Click here for more
The Story of Beyond Cheer Athletics:
Beyond Cheer (BCA) was founded in 2020 with one simple belief: every athlete deserves the opportunity to experience all-star cheer, regardless of their financial circumstances. What began with a handful of athletes practicing in New York City parks has grown into New York City's most competitive nonprofit all-star cheer program. Without owning a gym, we've built nationally competitive teams by practicing in churches, recreation centers, and public facilities across the city. Today, BCA proudly represents New York City on the national stage while staying committed to keeping the sport accessible to families who may never have believed all-star cheer was possible for their child. Our story isn't just about winning championships; it's about proving that where you come from should never determine how far you can go.
- Darrian Collins, Beyond Cheer Athletics COO
Fun Facts about Beyond Cheer Athletics:
- Beyond Cheer Athletics is the only nonprofit all-star cheer program representing New York City.
- BCA does not own a gym. Our athletes train in recreation centers, churches, and community spaces throughout the city.
- The program has grown from 11 athletes in 2020 to over 70 athletes across seven teams.
- We intentionally keep tuition significantly lower than traditional all-star programs because we believe finances shouldn't be the reason a child can't cheer.
- Our athletes come from every borough and represent the incredible diversity of New York City.
- Our culture is built around the motto: "Beyond Athletes."
Wins & Accomplishments:
- Won NCA All-Star in 2025 in our first time going
- Placed 2nd at NCA All-Star last year 2026 in our 2nd time going
- Placed top 3 at CHEERSPORT Nationals two years going in 2025 & 2026
- Placed 3rd at The D2 Summit last year 2026 with 98.17 (14th highest score at The D2 Summit)
What Makes The Program Special:
Our athletes don't just represent a gym; they represent an entire city. Every practice, competition, and performance is about showing young people that greatness can come from anywhere. While many programs have beautiful facilities, we've learned that culture, commitment, and community matter even more. Our athletes understand that wearing BCA means representing New York City with pride. We celebrate hard work, resilience, leadership, and giving back just as much as we celebrate championships. Beyond Cheer represents a side of all-star cheer that isn't often seen nationally. We're showing what's possible when accessibility, community, and competitive excellence come together. Championship programs need one important thing to succeed: they begin with a dream, a city, and people who refuse to quit.
What BCA Is Most Proud Of:
More than any championship or national podium finish, we're most proud of our program's resilience. Since opening in 2020, we've never had a permanent home. We've practiced in New York City parks, churches, recreation centers, and borrowed spaces, often with limited equipment and resources. Every season has brought a new obstacle, but our athletes have never let those challenges define them. Instead, they've continued to show up, work hard, and compete against some of the best programs in the country. That resilience has led to National Championships and podium finishes on the sport's biggest stages, not because we had every advantage, but because our athletes refused to let circumstances become excuses. We're equally proud of our families. Through every move, every transition, and every challenge, they've continued to believe in our mission. Their loyalty and the continued growth of our program are the greatest signs that we've built something bigger than a gym. Our story proves that resilience, community, and belief can accomplish extraordinary things. Every medal we've earned is a reminder that where you practice doesn't determine where you can finish.
Where You Can Find Beyond Cheer Athletics This Season:
- Aloha Trenton Showdown (Trenton, NJ)
- Champion Cheer and Dance Grand Nationals (Baltimore, MD)
- Spirit Unlimited Battle at the Boardwalk (Atlantic City, NJ)
- CHEERSPORT Nationals (Atlanta, GA)
- NCA All-Star Nationals (Houston, TX)
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