ACE Cheer Company, widely known in the competitive sports world as the ACE Tribe, stands as one of the most influential organizations in the United States dedicated to All-Star cheerleading and dance. Established with a vision to provide elite-level athletic training while fostering personal growth, the company has expanded from its roots in Alabama to become a multi-state powerhouse in the cheerleading industry. Today, it serves thousands of athletes across various skill levels, ranging from toddlers taking their first steps on a spring floor to collegiate-level athletes perfecting complex stunting and tumbling sequences.

The organization is recognized not just for its competitive success on the national stage but for a systematic approach to athletic development. With a strong presence in the Southeastern United States, ACE Cheer Company operates multiple state-of-the-art facilities designed to meet the rigorous demands of modern cheerleading.

The Core Philosophy of Perfection Before Progression

At the heart of the ACE Tribe is a fundamental mantra: Perfection Before Progression. This philosophy distinguishes the organization from gyms that might prioritize high-level skills at the expense of proper technique and safety. In the context of ACE, this means that an athlete must demonstrate complete mastery of a foundational skill before they are allowed to attempt more advanced maneuvers.

For instance, a cheerleader is expected to perform a technically sound back handspring with consistent power, alignment, and landing form before moving on to tucks or layouts. This approach serves two critical purposes. First, it significantly reduces the risk of injury. In a high-impact sport like cheerleading, where athletes perform aerial stunts and high-speed tumbling, technical flaws can lead to cumulative physical stress or acute accidents. Second, it ensures that when an athlete does reach elite levels, their performance is visually clean and scores higher in the technical execution categories of competitive judging rubrics.

This commitment to mastery creates a culture of discipline. Athletes learn that success is not just about "landing the trick" but about the process of refining every detail. This mindset often translates beyond the gym into academic and personal pursuits, aligning with the company's mission to develop the person as much as the athlete.

Competitive All Star Cheerleading Programs

The primary focus of ACE Cheer Company is its All-Star competitive program. Unlike school-based cheerleading, which often focuses on supporting other sports teams, All-Star cheerleading is a standalone competitive discipline. It combines elements of gymnastics, dance, and acrobatic stunting into high-energy routines that last approximately two and a half minutes.

The Team Selection Process

The competitive season typically begins with evaluations, often held in the spring. Unlike a traditional "tryout" where athletes might be cut, the ACE evaluation process is designed to place every participant on a team that matches their current age and skill level. This inclusive model allows for a wide range of teams:

  • Tiny and Mini Teams: Aimed at the youngest athletes (ages 3 to 8), these teams focus on introducing the basics of rhythm, movement, and very low-level stunting.
  • Youth, Junior, and Senior Teams: These categories are determined by the athlete's age and are subdivided into skill levels ranging from Level 1 (basic tumbling and stunts) to Level 6 or 7 (elite collegiate-style skills).
  • Prep and Novice Teams: For families looking for a lower commitment level in terms of travel and practice hours, these teams offer a competitive experience with fewer financial and time requirements than "Elite" travel teams.

Training and Commitment

Athletes on elite teams at ACE generally commit to multiple practices per week. These sessions are split between routine choreography, where the team perfects their synchronized movements, and dedicated stunt and tumbling practices. The competitive season runs through the winter and spring, culminating in major national championships such as CHEERSPORT in Atlanta or the Varsity All Star events. The ultimate goal for many ACE teams is to secure a bid to The Cheerleading Worlds or The Summit, held annually in Orlando, Florida.

Specialized Tumbling and Skill Classes

Beyond the competitive teams, ACE Cheer Company is a destination for specialized athletic training. Many athletes who cheer for their local middle or high schools utilize ACE facilities to sharpen their individual skills.

Progression-Based Tumbling

Tumbling is a cornerstone of the ACE curriculum. Classes are typically structured by level to ensure that instructors can focus on specific skill sets. A standard progression at an ACE facility might look like this:

  1. Level 1: Focusing on forward and backward rolls, cartwheels, and round-offs. The emphasis is on building core strength and understanding body positions.
  2. Level 2: The introduction of the back handspring. Athletes work on both standing handsprings and running round-off back handsprings.
  3. Level 3: Focusing on back tucks. Athletes learn to generate the vertical height necessary to flip safely without using their hands.
  4. Level 4: Layouts and more complex combinations. This level requires significant air awareness and power.
  5. Level 5 and Above: Elite skills including full-twisting layouts (fulls), double fulls, and specialty passes.

Flexibility and Stunt Clinics

Cheerleading requires exceptional flexibility, particularly for flyers (the athletes who are lifted or thrown). ACE offers specialized classes focused on "flyer flexibility," teaching athletes how to perform body positions like the heel stretch, arabesque, and scorpion while maintaining balance. Additionally, stunt clinics allow bases and back-spots to work on their technique in a controlled environment, focusing on the mechanics of lifting, tossing, and catching.

Support Services for School Cheer Programs

ACE Cheer Company maintains strong relationships with local educational institutions. Recognizing that school cheerleading remains a vital part of the community, ACE provides professional services to help school squads improve their performance and safety.

  • Custom Choreography: Professional choreographers from the ACE Tribe work with school teams to create routines that meet specific state or regional competition requirements. This includes selecting music, designing transitions, and ensuring the routine maximizes the team's strengths.
  • Gym Rentals and Team Training: Many school squads rent time at ACE facilities to practice on high-quality spring floors, which provide better shock absorption than standard gym mats. ACE also offers contracted coaches to lead these sessions, focusing on cleaning up stunts and improving overall synchronization.
  • Safety Clinics: ACE instructors frequently lead clinics for school coaches and athletes, focusing on USASF-aligned safety protocols and proper spotting techniques.

Comprehensive Location Guide and Facility Footprint

ACE Cheer Company has established a strategic presence across the Southeast. Each location, while maintaining the "Tribe" branding and standards, often has its own unique history and community tie-ins.

ACE of Birmingham (Headquarters)

The Birmingham facility serves as the central hub for the organization. Located in the heart of Alabama, this gym is often where the most elite teams are formed and where major organizational decisions are made. It features a massive training area with multiple full-sized spring floors, specialized tumbling tracks, and a dedicated viewing area for parents.

  • Address: 301 Snow Drive, Birmingham, AL 35209.
  • Key Features: Comprehensive Pro Shop, extensive tumbling schedule, and high-level collegiate prep programs.

ACE of Hattiesburg

The Hattiesburg location in Mississippi has a particularly storied history. It was formed through the merger of South Mississippi Elite into the ACE family. This location has a reputation for producing high-caliber athletes and has historically sent numerous teams to international competitions.

  • Address: 419 Cole Road, Hattiesburg, MS 39402.
  • Community Impact: It is recognized as one of the largest and most successful sports programs in the South Mississippi region.

ACE of Huntsville and Madison

Serving the northern Alabama region, the Huntsville/Madison location is a modern facility that caters to the large population of active families in the area. This gym is known for its strong "Kiwi" and "Redbird" team programs and its frequent hosting of community skills camps.

  • Address: 7495 Wall Triana Highway, Madison, AL 35757.

ACE of Jackson

Located in the capital of Mississippi, the Jackson location extends the Tribe's reach into the central part of the state. It provides a full suite of All-Star and recreational programs, maintaining the high technical standards seen in the Birmingham headquarters.

  • Address: 214 Parkway East, Madison, MS 39110.

Additional Locations

The ACE Tribe continues to operate and franchise in other key areas, including:

  • Dothan, Alabama: 13350 Hwy 84 West, Newton, AL 36352.
  • Tuscaloosa, Alabama: 2517 29th Street, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401.
  • Florida Panhandle: Historical locations in Panama City and Pensacola have served as vital training grounds for Florida athletes.

Professional Standards and Safety Certifications

One of the reasons ACE Cheer Company has maintained its status as an industry leader is its commitment to professional standards. The world of cheerleading is often self-regulated, which makes the choice of a gym critical for parent peace of mind.

USASF Certification

All competitive teams within the ACE Tribe operate under the guidelines of the U.S. All Star Federation (USASF). This organization sets the rules for competition levels, age requirements, and, most importantly, safety protocols. ACE coaches are typically credentialed through the USASF, which requires passing background checks and demonstrating knowledge of the specific rules for the levels they coach.

Emergency Preparedness

ACE facilities are equipped to handle the physical nature of the sport. Staff members are required to hold current certifications in CPR, First Aid, and the use of Automated External Defibrillators (AED). The "Perfection Before Progression" model acts as the first line of defense in injury prevention, but the staff's medical readiness provides an essential second layer of safety.

Technology and Communication

The company utilizes modern gym management software, such as iClassPro, to streamline the experience for parents. Through a centralized portal, families can register for classes, manage monthly tuition payments, and access important documents such as medical waivers and competition schedules. For team-specific communication, many ACE gyms utilize the Band app, ensuring that parents receive real-time updates regarding practice changes or competition results.

The Business of Competitive Cheerleading

Understanding the financial and time commitments is essential for families considering joining ACE Cheer Company. Competitive cheerleading is an investment in an athlete's physical and social development.

Financial Structure

ACE typically operates on a monthly payment model. This model is designed to distribute the significant costs of the sport across the entire year, making it more manageable for families. The fees generally cover:

  • Tuition: For weekly practices and skill-building classes.
  • Competition Fees: Registration costs for various local and national events.
  • Uniforms and Apparel: High-quality, custom-designed performance wear and practice gear.
  • Choreography and Music: Fees for professional routine design and custom-mixed music tracks.

The ACE Pro Shop

Each major location features a Pro Shop, which serves as the retail arm of the gym. Beyond required uniforms, the Pro Shop sells "spirit wear," including t-shirts, hoodies, and backpacks branded with the ACE Tribe logo. This not only generates revenue for the facilities but also helps build a sense of identity and pride among the athletes.

Personal Growth and Community Beyond the Mat

While the technical skills and trophies are the visible markers of success, ACE Cheer Company emphasizes the long-term personal development of its members.

Leadership and Teamwork

In a cheerleading routine, every athlete has a specific role that is vital to the success of the whole. If a base is not in the correct position, the stunt fails. If a tumbler is out of sync, the score drops. This creates an environment where accountability is not just encouraged but required. Athletes learn to communicate effectively under pressure and to support their teammates through both successes and setbacks.

Goal Setting

The progression-based nature of the sport teaches athletes how to set and achieve goals. Whether it is a six-year-old working toward their first cartwheel or a teenager aiming for a scholarship to a top-tier collegiate program, the process of incremental improvement is a core life lesson taught at ACE.

Community Events

ACE gyms often host social events to strengthen the bonds between families. From "Fun Gym Fridays" and birthday parties to seasonal skills camps, the facilities serve as community centers where children can socialize in a safe, supervised, and active environment.

Summary of the ACE Cheer Company Experience

ACE Cheer Company represents a blend of high-performance athletics and structured youth development. By adhering to the "Perfection Before Progression" philosophy, the organization ensures that safety and technique remain at the forefront of the training experience. With its extensive network of locations across Alabama and Mississippi, ACE provides a clear path for athletes to grow from recreational beginners to elite-level competitors.

The combination of USASF-certified coaching, modern facilities, and a culture that values discipline and teamwork makes the ACE Tribe a premier choice for families in the Southeast. Whether an athlete is looking to join a national championship team or simply wants to learn how to tumble, ACE offers a professional and supportive environment to reach those goals.

Frequently Asked Questions About ACE Cheer

What age can a child start at ACE Cheer Company?

Most ACE locations offer programs for children as young as 3 years old. These early programs focus on "Tiny" or "Mini" levels, emphasizing coordination, basic movement, and social interaction in a gym setting.

Do you have to have experience to join a team?

No. ACE evaluates athletes of all skill levels. They offer teams ranging from Level 1 (beginner) to Level 7 (elite). Every athlete who participates in the evaluation process is typically placed on a team that fits their current ability and age.

How much does it cost to participate in All-Star cheer?

The cost varies depending on the level of the team and the location. Generally, families should expect a monthly tuition fee, plus additional costs for uniforms, competition registrations, and travel. ACE uses a monthly payment model to help spread these costs throughout the season.

What is the time commitment for competitive teams?

Elite travel teams usually practice two to three times a week for several hours at a time. During the peak competition season, there may be additional practices. Prep and recreational teams typically have a lower time commitment, often practicing only once or twice a week.

Can athletes from school cheer teams also train at ACE?

Absolutely. Many ACE athletes are also members of their middle school or high school cheer squads. ACE offers tumbling classes and stunt clinics specifically designed to help school-based cheerleaders improve their individual skills for their school programs.

Where is the headquarters of ACE Cheer Company located?

The main headquarters and central training facility are located in Birmingham, Alabama, at 301 Snow Drive. This location oversees the broader operations of the ACE Tribe across the Southeast.