How young is too young for cheerleading?

I coach 2nd and 3 graders in both a midget league football squad and basketball team. They key here is to get the girls active. We aren't "into" stunting or extreme competitions at this level, but we do introduce the girls to what cheerleading is about. Many of my girls go on to become middle school cheerleaders after just one tryout. They have already been exposed, know the routines and cheers and have had some stunting experience. But as a parent, I would make sure the coach is certified, or has at least been a cheerleader in the past.

Think about it this way... How young is too young for football, softball, basketball, etc? Cheerleading is just another sport, and the earlier your child gets started, the better she will be when she gets in high school. When I tried out, I really wished my mom had let me cheer before then. All the other girls had been doing it their whole life and I was so far behind.

My daughter is in 7th grade and I think it's the perfect age. She's in with 6th, 7th, and 8th graders. I wouldn't go any younger than that, just because of the dangers that cheerleading can bring.

My daughter is in the second grade this year. She loves cheerleading so much that we signed her up for a cheerleading camp that was once a week for two months. It was awesome. The high school girls were teaching the children basic cheers with basic moves. I don't see anything wrong with children doing cheerleading in this way. I wouldn't allow my daughter however to do stunts this early.