INCA Eligibility Criteria

Before submitting your application for the Cheer Sport Ireland National Cheer Academy (INCA), please ensure you meet the following eligibility requirements. This page will guide you through the criteria to determine if you are ready to register for the assessment day.

Who can apply?

Applications are open to youth and junior athletes who are current registered members of Cheer Sport Ireland (CSI) and are committed to developing their skills within a high-performance environment.

To be eligible, applicants must:

  • Be a current registered member of Cheer Sport Ireland.
  • Be a member in good standing with their home club.
  • Meet the age requirements for the relevant Academy squad:
  • Youth Development Squad: Ages 11–13 years during the 2026 qualification season.
  • Junior Development Squad: Ages 14–17 years during the 2026 qualification season.

Meet the minimum skill standard for their age category. Demonstrate a positive attitude, coachability and good sportsmanship. Be physically fit and able to participate safely in all assessment activities. Successfully complete the Academy Assessment Workshop.

Click here to apply for the assessment day

Minimum skill expectations

Youth Development Squad

  • Strong Level 2 (Intermediate) equivalent skills.
  • Consistent tumbling ability.
  • Strong jump technique.
  • Excellent motions.
  • Good body control and physical readiness.
  • Positive attitude and willingness to learn.

Junior Development Squad

  • Strong Level 3 (Median) equivalent skills.
  • Appropriate tumbling skills for the division.
  • Strong stunt fundamentals.
  • Advanced body awareness.
  • Excellent work ethic.
  • Coachability and commitment to long-term development.

Selection Process

Selection is competitive. Meeting the minimum eligibility or skill requirements does not guarantee selection into the Academy.

The selection process consists of:

  1. Online Application.
  2. Academy Assessment Workshop.
  3. Final selection into the Youth or Junior Development Squad.

During the assessment workshop, athletes will be evaluated on:

  • Tumbling
  • Stunting
  • Jumps
  • Dance
  • Motions
  • Athleticism
  • Coachability
  • Performance quality
  • Teamwork

The Head Coaches will make all final selection decisions.