Norwell Youth Cheer Program Continues to Thrive

In Norwell, a dedicated group of coaches, parents, and young athletes are keeping the spirit of cheerleading alive and well. What started as a pandemic recovery effort has turned into a thriving program that continues to grow and inspire.

The Norwell Youth Cheer Program was rejuvenated three years ago by coach Katie Perniola after youth cheerleading had virtually disappeared during the COVID-19 pandemic. With only a handful of participants, the first year was about restarting the program and laying the groundwork for future growth. Perniola, who cheered in high school, even enlisted the help of high school cheerleaders to get things going.

By 2024, the program had truly taken off. What began with one squad grew to two, and organizers expect to have three squads next year. According to Coach Katy O’Connor Neefus, who initially joined to help manage finances, the program has seen a growth of over 60%, with 42 participants and an additional 29 Mini Clippers, for a total of 71 girls — a nearly 200% increase. “This growth is a testament to the spirit and excitement of our program, and I couldn’t be more thrilled,” said Neefus.

The program serves girls in grades 3 through 8, providing them with an opportunity to build skills, gain confidence, and form friendships that will last a lifetime. However, keeping the program going has required dedication not just from the coaches, but from many members of the community.

Volunteers like Michelle Dobbins, Kristin Marks, and Nicole Oliverio have been instrumental in supporting the program. Michelle Dobbins, whose daughter is part of the cheerleading program, handles logistics and keeps everything running smoothly. Kristin Marks helps with fundraising — a critical task considering registration fees alone cannot cover the program’s expenses. “One set of uniforms costs $420, and registration fees are only $300 per cheerleader,” explained Neefus.

Nicole Oliverio, who cheered in college and has a business background, joined the team to help lead the third and fourth grade girls. Her knowledge of cheerleading and her organizational skills have been essential to the program’s continued success. “We’re always raising the bar at Norwell Cheer,” Neefus noted.

The organization is always looking for more volunteers and coaches to get involved. Whether it’s practicing in the dark with car lights shining during Homecoming preparation or organizing trips to cheer with the Harvard cheerleaders at Harvard Stadium, the community’s support and enthusiasm have kept the program going strong. "These talented young athletes come together, supporting one another through each stunt and every routine, strengthening their bonds with every practice and performance," Neefus said.

As Norwell Youth Cheer continues to grow, it’s clear that this program is about more than just cheerleading. It’s about building a community that supports its young athletes every step of the way. "Cheer is the ultimate team sport. Every stunt, routine, and performance depends on trust and teamwork. It's amazing to see these athletes learn that success isn’t just about individual skills, but about working together as one," said Oliverio.

In Norwell, cheerleading is more than a sport. It’s a tradition built on hard work, dedication, and community spirit. And it shows no signs of slowing down.

For more information or to register, please visit https://www.norwellyouthcheer.com/ and for more local youth sports, visit the South Shore Times Sports homepage.