Notts Hotshots FAQ

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Whether you're considering your child's first cheerleading class, looking for competitive opportunities or already part of the Hotshots family, we've answered the questions families ask us most often.

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Everything You Need To Know

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Ages 3+ Children through to adult athletes
Beginners Welcome No previous experience required
Recreational & Competitive Different pathways for different goals
Nottinghamshire Based Our academy is located in Watnall
Frequently Asked Questions

Before You Join The Hotshots Family

We've grouped our most frequently asked questions to make finding the information you need as simple as possible.

01

Joining Notts Hotshots

What is Notts Hotshots?
Notts Hotshots Cheer & Dance Academy is a cheerleading and dance programme based in Watnall, Nottinghamshire. We offer recreational and competitive opportunities in cheerleading, hip-hop, lyrical and pom, with pathways for children from age 3 through to adults.
What age can my child start?
Our programme welcomes athletes from age 3 upwards. The exact class or team available will depend on age, experience, availability and the type of activity your child would like to try.
Does my child need previous cheer or dance experience?
No. Many athletes join Hotshots as complete beginners. We have pathways designed to introduce athletes to the fundamentals before allowing them to progress at an appropriate pace.
Do you offer trial sessions?
Trial sessions are available in many of our classes, subject to spaces being available. Contact us and we'll recommend the most appropriate session for your athlete.
How do I join Notts Hotshots?
Start by contacting our team through our contact page . Tell us the athlete's age, any previous experience and which discipline they're interested in, and we'll advise you on the best available option.
Can boys join Notts Hotshots?
Absolutely. Cheerleading is for boys and girls, and male athletes can bring huge value to tumbling, stunting and performance. No previous experience is required.
My child is shy or nervous about joining. Is that okay?
Yes. Starting somewhere new can feel daunting and athletes arrive with very different confidence levels. Our coaches aim to help new athletes settle into the class, learn at an appropriate pace and gradually build confidence.
02

Classes & Training

What activities do you offer?
Our programme includes cheerleading, hip-hop, lyrical, pom and tumbling, alongside recreational opportunities and competitive team pathways.
What is the difference between recreational and competitive classes?
Recreational classes focus on learning skills, staying active and enjoying the sport without the same competition commitment. Competitive athletes train as part of a team, learn routines and compete at scheduled events throughout the season.
What should my child wear to their first session?
Comfortable sports clothing such as leggings or shorts with a T-shirt or vest is ideal. Please bring a drink, tie long hair back and wear appropriate clean footwear for the session.
Does my child need to be able to tumble before joining cheerleading?
No. Tumbling is only one part of cheerleading. Athletes also develop stunts, jumps, dance, performance skills and teamwork. Tumbling ability can be developed gradually.
Do you offer additional tumbling training?
Yes. We offer additional tumbling opportunities alongside team training, subject to current availability. These sessions allow athletes to spend focused time developing their individual tumbling skills.
Can my child do more than one discipline?
Yes, where suitable spaces are available. Many Hotshots athletes take part in more than one discipline, such as cheer alongside lyrical or hip-hop. Speak to us about the options that suit your athlete's age and schedule.
How important is attendance?
Attendance is particularly important for competitive teams because routines rely on every athlete. Missed sessions can affect stunt groups, formations and the progress of the entire team. Families should communicate absences or lateness to coaches as early as possible.
03

Competitive Teams

How are athletes placed onto competitive teams?
Team placement considers several factors including age, current skill level, experience, positions needed within a routine and what our coaching team believes is the most appropriate environment for the athlete's development.
Does every athlete automatically move up a level each season?
No. Progression isn't simply based on how long an athlete has been with us. Coaches consider whether an athlete is technically and developmentally ready for the demands of another level or team.
How often do competition teams compete?
Competition schedules vary by team and season. Teams may attend several events throughout the year, and families receive the relevant competition calendar and commitments for their athlete's team.
Do your teams compete internationally?
Yes. Hotshots athletes have represented the programme internationally, including opportunities connected with major events in Orlando and European competition pathways. International travel is only relevant to selected teams.
What commitment is expected from a competition athlete?
Competitive athletes are expected to attend regular training, choreography sessions and scheduled competitions, arrive prepared and on time, practise appropriately and support the standards of their team throughout the season.
Can an athlete join a competition team halfway through the season?
Sometimes, but only where an appropriate vacancy exists. Once routines are built and the competition season is underway, spaces can become limited and placement depends on the needs of the team.
04

Fees, Uniforms & Kit

How much do classes cost?
Fees vary depending on the class, team and level of commitment. Contact our team for the latest information for the specific class or team you're interested in.
Are competition entry fees included in monthly training fees?
Competition entry costs and other season-specific expenses may be separate from regular training fees. Competitive families receive information about relevant costs and payment deadlines during the season.
Do competitive athletes need a uniform?
Yes. Competition teams require the appropriate Hotshots uniform and other required teamwear. Exact requirements depend on the team and discipline.
Where can I buy Hotshots merchandise?
You can browse our current clothing, accessories and merchandise through the Notts Hotshots Shop . We also have merchandise available at the academy.
What happens if I order the wrong size?
For compulsory teamwear and uniforms, families should attend any available fit-kit or sizing opportunities whenever possible. Sizing and exchange options can vary depending on whether an item is personalised or ordered specifically for an athlete.
05

Parents, Support & Communication

Can parents stay and watch training?
For some younger classes, parents may be able to remain. For most sessions we operate a drop-off approach so athletes can concentrate, build independence and allow coaches to run the session effectively. Your coach will advise what applies to your class.
How do parents receive important updates?
We use our parent communication channels, email and relevant team updates to keep families informed about training, competitions, kit, events and other important information.
What if my child has additional needs?
Please speak to us before or during the joining process. Sharing helpful information about how your child learns, communicates or responds to particular environments can help our coaching team understand how best to support them within the structure of the class.
What if my child is going to be late or miss a session?
Please let the relevant coaching team know as soon as you can. This is particularly important for competition teams, where one athlete's absence may affect a stunt group, formation or planned section of the routine.
Who should I speak to if I have a concern?
Please contact the academy so the concern can be directed to the appropriate coach or member of the leadership team. We would always rather discuss an issue directly and constructively than allow uncertainty to continue.
06

About Our Academy

Where is Notts Hotshots based?
Our academy is based at 12 Headstocks Industrial Park, Watnall, Nottinghamshire, NG16 1AA. You can find more arrival and location information on our Finding Us page .
Are your coaches qualified and DBS checked?
Yes. Our coaching team is trained and qualified within their relevant disciplines, and our coaches are enhanced DBS checked. We also place a strong emphasis on ongoing development and athlete safety.
Is cheerleading safe?
Cheerleading includes technical skills that require proper coaching and progression. We teach skills progressively, use suitable equipment and structure training around an athlete's current ability rather than rushing development.
Do you have your own training facility?
Yes. Notts Hotshots trains from its own academy facility in Watnall, providing dedicated space for our cheer and dance programme.
Can other cheer, dance or sports groups hire your venue?
Yes. Our facility is available for selected external bookings. Visit our Venue Hire page for further information.
Where can I read reviews from other Hotshots families?
Visit our Testimonials page to read live Google reviews and feedback from families within the Hotshots community.
Still Need Help?

Can't Find The Answer You're Looking For?

Every athlete's circumstances are different. Send our team a message and we'll help you understand which class, team or pathway is most appropriate.

Visit Us 12 Headstocks Industrial Park
Watnall, Nottinghamshire
NG16 1AA