What is the Youth Summit?

If you’re an all-star cheer parent, you’ve probably seen the term Youth Summit floating around social media lately. But what exactly is it—and why is it such a big deal?

Let us break it down.

What is the Youth Summit?

The Youth Summit is one of the most prestigious events in all-star cheerleading for youth-level athletes. Created to give the youngest divisions their own chance to shine, the Youth Summit emerged from the same organization that brought you The DI Summit and DII Summit, events known across the world for their competitive excellence and championship atmosphere. There are over 40 countries represented at this year’s Youth Summit!

Unlike many end-of-season showcases for youth athletes, you can’t just sign up to compete at the Youth Summit—you have to earn your way in. Teams work all season long to receive a bid, which is an invitation awarded only at select competitions throughout the year. These bids are given to programs that demonstrate not just skill, but consistency, showmanship, and potential.

In other words: if you’re at the Youth Summit, you earned it.

With athletes flying in from across the country—and even around the world—the Youth Summit isn’t just a competition. It’s a celebration of hard work, teamwork, and everything these young athletes have accomplished together.

This year, we’re proud to have our Amethyst team representing Motor City Cheer on that stage.

More Than a Competition: A Cultural Exchange

One of the most exciting parts of this year’s Youth Summit is the Cultural Exchange Night on Thursday. With athletes flying in from around the world, the Cultural Exchange is a chance for competitors to meet athletes from different countries, exchange friendship bracelets, take photos, and hopefully make a new friend. It’s a moment that reminds us all—this sport connects us across borders, languages, and time zones. It’s more than competition. It’s community.

Why It Matters

Sending a Michigan-based youth team to the Youth Summit is more than just exciting—it’s historic. The state has long been home to incredible young talent, but opportunities to compete on a global level have often been few and far between. We believe in changing that.

By bringing Amethyst to Tampa, we’re not only representing our gym—we’re representing Michigan. And we’re showing families that world-class training and opportunity exist right here at home.

More importantly, we’re shaping what it means to grow up in the sport. These athletes aren’t just learning how to hit clean stunts and stick landings. They’re learning how to show up for one another. How to rise under pressure. How to carry themselves with integrity, confidence, and pride.

Our Why

At Motor City Cheer, we believe in doing things the right way—not just the flashy way. We build clean routines with smart technique. We invest in the long game: safety, sustainability, and a deep sense of belonging. We believe in childhood and championship-level performance. And we don’t believe the two are mutually exclusive.

Amethyst represents that vision. They’re proof that with the right leadership, training, and heart, even the youngest athletes can rise to the occasion—and redefine what’s possible.

If your child is obsessed with cartwheels in the living room, we see them. If they light up when they hear the crowd cheer, we see them. If they’re ready to grow in a sport that demands teamwork, discipline, and joy—we’d love to meet them.

We’re just getting started.

Team placements for the 2025–2026 season are June 1–12. To learn more about what makes our program special, visit cheermotorcity.com