Youth cheerleaders build their team

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Melanie Stetson Freeman/Staff

The Hingham (Mass.) youth football cheer and dance squad practices a new routine. The girls practice Tuesdays and Fridays and for 45 minutes before every game.

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Melanie Stetson Freeman/Staff

Barbara (l.) and Bridget practice a routine by Evan Pouch, their choreographer, who is on the high school dance team.

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Melanie Stetson Freeman/Staff

Cheerleaders practice a lift with spotters. Safety is of primary concern, so there are spotters even during a performance. Despite growing concerns about injuries, youth leagues are still flourishing in many towns, and so are the dance and cheer squads that accompany games.

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Melanie Stetson Freeman/Staff

The smallest, lightest girls are on top. Many of the girls are also gymnasts.

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Melanie Stetson Freeman/Staff

Coach Brittany Morissette helps the girls learn how to safely dismount from a lift.

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Melanie Stetson Freeman/Staff

A cheerleader wears necklaces - including a cheer megaphone - during practice.

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Melanie Stetson Freeman/Staff

Coach and dance coordinator Julie Donovan does the motions along with the girls as they do a lift cheer. 46 girls are participating this year. They don't have to try out; anyone interested can join the team.

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Melanie Stetson Freeman/Staff

During a lift, the girls continue to yell their cheers. Girls on the squad get a good workout while gaining confidence, stage presence, and a sense of accomplishment. They also learn about camaraderie, teamwork, and responsibility.

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Melanie Stetson Freeman/Staff

Coach Donovan hugs her young cheerleaders after a successful practice session.

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Melanie Stetson Freeman/Staff

Marly (l.) helps Ruthie adjust her uniform as some of the girls change out of their turtlenecks on a warm day. They all must wear the same outfit.

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Melanie Stetson Freeman/Staff

One of the Hingham cheerleaders watches the opposing teams' cheer squad as they all get ready for the game in the girls' room.

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Melanie Stetson Freeman/Staff

The older squad heads to the local football field to cheer for a game. Girls from second to eighth grades are split into two squads, roughly by age.

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Melanie Stetson Freeman/Staff

The younger squad cheers as their team takes the field.

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Melanie Stetson Freeman/Staff

The girls learn to project their voices as they yell support for the football team.

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Melanie Stetson Freeman/Staff

Two cheerleaders check out photos on a cell phone.

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Melanie Stetson Freeman/Staff

The younger squad performs to music during halftime.

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Melanie Stetson Freeman/Staff

A young football player, whose game had just ended, walks past the older girls who will cheer the next game. At this level, the cheerleaders and players do not mingle much.

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Melanie Stetson Freeman/Staff

The girls practice a halftime stunt with Kaleigh (c. top) and Anna (c. bottom).

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Melanie Stetson Freeman/Staff

The girls wear matching red and white cheerleading socks.

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Melanie Stetson Freeman/Staff

The younger squad cheers after their team makes a touchdown. The girls often need help identifying which cheer to use when, since most of them do not understand the game of football.