AEC Leadership Development

AEC is unique in that it is run by its members, for its members. No other program in the nation involves young people in decision making, consultation and evaluation like AEC does, and no other program has a Championship record like AEC! This aspect of the program challenges young people to do more than just participate in a sporting activity – instead they are given the challenge of leading the program themselves. In addition, members are given opportunities to volunteer in schools and community-based projects to engage more young people in the sport of cheerleading.

AEC engages young people over the long-term, with some members spending 10 years of their life in AEC.
Outside of school hours, young people can choose to be involved in AEC activities almost daily. In addition to sporting skills gained, members are challenged to set personal, academic and relational goals. Support is given to help members achieve their goals and learn from the experience.
AEC offers members opportunities to grow as leaders through planning and organizing short-term and long-term projects. Examples include Operation Christmas Child Showbox Collection, Tsunami fundraisers, all-age services and Memorial events.
As teenagers, members are invited to participate in the AEC Coaching program. After a term of seminar-style participative “Coaching Theory” classes, aspiring coaches are given opportunities to teach in local schools. They can then progress to volunteer at the London Cheerleading Academy. Coaches continue to clock up coaching hours, to participate in leadership development seminars and to undergo one-on-one mentoring and supervision sessions as they coach within the Ascension Eagles program and work with squads nationally and internationally.
Four AEC members serve on BCA staff and five serve on FutureCheer staff. AEC are committed to developing the sport of cheerleading nationwide.