Varsity Spirit Launches the Small Gym Summit Championship

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Mar 09, 2026

A Premier End-Of-Season National Championship Created Exclusively for Small U.S. All Star Cheer Gym Locations begins in 2027 at the Walt Disney World Resort®

MEMPHIS, Tenn.March 9, 2026  — Varsity Spirit – the global leader in cheerleading, dance team and band apparel, camps and competitions, and a division of Varsity Brands – is excited to introduce the Small Gym Summit Championship (SGSC), a brand-new end-of-season event created exclusively for U.S. all star cheer gym locations with 60 or fewer elite athletes. The first championship will take place May 6–7, 2027, at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort®, giving small gym athletes the opportunity to compete on a premier national stage. This brand-new championship was created exclusively to provide smaller gyms with a world-class, USASF-sanctioned national championship experience at a location that is widely considered the most prestigious across all levels of the sport.

The event will feature Varsity Spirit-trained and qualified judges, a clear bid pathway, and professional event and production standards that reflect the prestige of a national championship. Coaches will now have Summit-level goals and aspirations that align with the size and structure of their programs. Whether a team is focused on long-term growth or striving for a title, small gyms will have a new pathway for competition, recognition, and the high-quality experience their athletes deserve.

This is not a D2 adjustment or a restructuring of existing divisions. All eligible gym locations may compete, regardless of DI or D2 designation. Division splits will follow USASF guidelines and will be finalized after registration. Divisions are not guaranteed to split and will not be divided by DI or D2 designation. Athletes may compete on up to two teams, and standard crossover rules apply. Coaches seeking additional details on eligibility and crossover guidelines are encouraged to contact a Varsity Spirit Representative.

For more information on the Small Gym Summit Championship, visit varsity.com.