Quiz the Coach - Cheerleader Problems

Hey Coach,
Can you help me sign-up for cheerleading? I'm a second grader who is seven. Please help me. I'm fat and I weigh 78 pounds.
missy***

Hey missy***,
First off, I'm not a doctor and not sure what is an average or above-average weight for a girl in second grade - so I can't agree with you when you call yourself "fat." But even if you're packing a few extra pounds - that doesn't mean you can't be a cheerleader. Think of cheerleading as a healthy and fun way for you to lose weight. Don't think of your extra weight as something that stops you from being a cheerleader. Cheerleaders come in all shapes and sizes - not just thin. Many girls your age may be a little bit overweight - but you can easily lose some of those extra pounds by eating properly and exercising regularly. If you really want to be a cheerleader, your weight shouldn't be something that stops you from cheering and chanting for your favorite team. What people don't always realize is that cheerleading isn't really about how you look, it's about having and promoting a positive attitude - and supporting your team or school, even when they suck.

Many school and community centers have cheerleading programs that you can join. There may even be a summer cheerleading camp that's starting up in your area. Your school P.E. teacher should also be able to give you some more information on cheerleading programs. Even if you can't find an organized cheerleading club to join, you can still practice your cheerleading moves and cheer in your living room while watching your favorite team play on television.

Hey Coach,
I'm a guy and in grade eight. I'm on my school's cheerleading team. I really like it but lots of other guys at my school say it's stupid and that I'm a queer. What should I do?
slipslidemax

Hey slipslidemax,
Who cares what those chumps think? If you like cheerleading, stick with it. It's fun and a great way to meet all the hotties at your school. Lots of guys are cheerleaders and they usually get to hold up all the girls during routines - how cool is that? The first cheerleaders were actually guys and US President George W. Bush was a cheerleader when he was in college. If it's good enough for the Prez, it should be okay for you.

Do you have a question on sports, P.E. class, fitness or health? to the Kidzworld Coach. Keep in mind peeps, the Kidzworld Coach isn't a doctor or a professional athlete or anything like that. He's just a dude who digs sports, plays 'em and knows a lot about 'em. You should always talk to your 'rents, a doctor or your school gym teacher before starting a new sport or a new exercise.

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