Lincoln City Youth Sideline Competition Cheerleaders will represent the Taft 7-12 middle-school football team at 4 p.m. Wednesday against Willamina at Voris Field.

Eleven participants make up a squad that not only represents the seventh- and eighth-grade football team, but its community as they compete across Oregon at Oregon Cheerleading Coaches Association-sanctioned events.

The team is not a school-based athletic sport, but has 26 participants in its program, a large increase over last year.

There are 10 minis, 16 sideline cheerleaders and 11 competition performers. The sideline cheerleaders root for Lincoln City Parks & Recreation soccer on Saturdays to display their community support in all areas.

“Cheerleaders are versatile, and we want other sports to know that if you want us, we are here for you,” coach Tonia Anderson said.  “These young athletes are full of energy and support for their community.

“Being a cheerleader is not for everyone. There is hard physical work involved, the opportunity to be a visible leader, the chance to show off hard-won skills in tumbling and dance and a sense of dedication to your team and school.

“It is something that you must love because it is a long-term commitment.”

Anderson and fellow coach Alicia Hernandez recognized and thanked the participants for building the program and for their devotion to the community.

”We hope that the community will come out to show their support at home games, not just for us, but for the Taft 7-12 middle school football team and for the youth soccer players, as well,” she said.