Are trading pins popular at cheerleading competitions?

Yes! Trading pins have become increasingly popular at cheerleading competitions, especially at major events like The Cheerleading Worlds, NCA Nationals, UCA Nationals, and regional championships. Teams use pins to commemorate their competition experience, build squad unity, and trade with teams from different gyms and states. While not as universal as in baseball, many competitive all-star cheer programs and school cheer squads now create custom pins for championship appearances and end-of-season celebrations.

What design elements work best for cheer pins?

Popular cheerleading pin designs feature dynamic elements like cheerleaders in stunts (liberty, scorpion, heel stretch), pyramids, tumbling passes, pom-poms, megaphones, and bows. Glitter is extremely popular—especially for backgrounds, uniforms, and bows. Many squads incorporate their team colors, mascots, and competition logos. For all-star gyms, level badges (Level 1-6) and division identifiers are common. School cheer teams often include mascots and school colors. Sparkle, movement, and energy should shine through the design to capture cheer's spirit.

Can I add individual cheerleader names to pins?

Absolutely! Many squads add cheerleader names around the pin's border or on individual danglers attached below the main pin. This is especially popular for small all-star teams (15-20 athletes) where you can fit all names legibly. For larger school squads (30+ cheerleaders), consider using jersey numbers instead of names, or creating position-specific pins (flyers, bases, tumblers). Team roster pins with all names are treasured keepsakes that commemorate specific seasons and competition teams.

What size pins are best for cheerleading teams?

For youth cheer teams (ages 6-10), 1.25-1.5 inch pins work perfectly—affordable and appropriately sized for younger athletes. Junior and senior all-star teams (ages 11-18) typically prefer 1.5-1.75 inch pins that allow room for detailed stunts, glitter backgrounds, and team names. High school varsity squads often choose 1.75-2 inch pins for maximum visual impact at competitions. The 1.5 inch size remains most popular across all levels, offering the best balance of detail, sparkle, and budget-friendliness.

How many pins should a cheer squad order?

Most cheerleading squads order 100-200 pins. For small all-star teams (12-20 athletes), 100-150 pins provide 8-10 pins per cheerleader for trading and keeping. Larger school squads (25-35 cheerleaders) typically order 150-200 pins. Many teams also sell extra pins to parents and fans as fundraisers. If attending a major competition like Worlds or Nationals where trading is popular, consider ordering on the higher end to ensure your squad has plenty for trading throughout the multi-day event.

Cheerleading Trading Pins

Custom cheerleading pins are more popular than ever at cheer competitions nationwide! You can depend on Trading Pins Direct to provide the finest cheerleading pins for your squad. With free artwork and revisions, our great artists will help you create the perfect pins to celebrate your team’s athleticism.

We offer plenty of pin sizes, styles and customization options to make the perfect pins for any squad, and any budget. And of course, we back everything with our 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. Trading Pins Direct is your Number One source for cheer pins!

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Soft Enamel Trading Pin
Size	100	200	300	500	750	1000	2000
1.25"	$3.17	$2.62	$1.83	$1.27	$1.14	$1.01	$0.99
1.5"	$3.40	$2.85	$2.05	$1.54	$1.46	$1.25	$1.15
1.75"	$3.58	$3.20	$2.50	$1.90	$1.83	$1.54	$1.36
2"	$4.02	$3.35	$2.77	$2.17	$2.01	$1.78	$1.68
2.25"	$5.64	$4.24	$3.58	$2.81	$2.60	$2.52	$2.23
2.5"	$6.40	$4.70	$4.32	$3.58	$3.35	$3.27	$2.97
2.75"	$7.16	$5.50	$4.91	$4.16	$3.93	$3.83	$3.51
3.00"	$7.92	$6.31	$5.49	$4.72	$4.49	$4.37	$4.05

Cheerleading Pins for Competition Teams

Trading pins have exploded at cheer competitions nationwide. All-star gyms competing at The Cheerleading Worlds, NCA Nationals, UCA Nationals, and Summit use pins to celebrate their journey. School squads create pins for state championships and regional events.

These pins build team unity as athletes wear matching designs on warm-up jackets and gym bags. Parents collect them over the years, creating timelines from tiny through senior elite divisions. Many gyms sell extras as fundraisers to offset competition costs.

Designs That Capture Cheer Spirit

Stunning cheer pins feature dynamic stunts, liberties, scorpions, heel stretches, or arabesques. Add pyramid formations, tumbling sequences, and basket tosses for action. Classic symbols like pom-poms, megaphones, and sparkly bows translate beautifully into pin art.

Glitter is essential! Teams love sparkly backgrounds and shimmering text that catches light like competition costumes. All-star gyms add level badges (Levels 1-6) and division identifiers. School teams feature mascots and school colors.

Choosing the Right Size

For youth teams (ages 6-10): Choose 1.25-1.5 inch pins. Affordable and appropriately sized for younger athletes.

For junior/senior all-star (ages 11-18): The 1.5-1.75 inch size is most popular. Room for detailed stunt poses, glitter backgrounds, and team names.

For high school varsity: Teams often choose 1.75-2 inch pins for maximum impact at competitions and pep rallies.

Quantity guide: Small all-star teams (12-20 athletes) order 100-150 pins. Larger school squads (25-35 members) order 150-200 pins for everyone plus extras for fundraising.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are trading pins popular at cheerleading competitions?: Yes! Trading pins have become increasingly popular at cheerleading competitions, especially at major events like The Cheerleading Worlds, NCA Nationals, UCA Nationals, and regional championships. Teams use pins to commemorate their competition experience, build squad unity, and trade with teams from different gyms and states. While not as universal as in baseball, many competitive all-star cheer programs and school cheer squads now create custom pins for championship appearances and end-of-season celebrations.
What design elements work best for cheer pins?: Popular cheerleading pin designs feature dynamic elements like cheerleaders in stunts (liberty, scorpion, heel stretch), pyramids, tumbling passes, pom-poms, megaphones, and bows. Glitter is extremely popular—especially for backgrounds, uniforms, and bows. Many squads incorporate their team colors, mascots, and competition logos. For all-star gyms, level badges (Level 1-6) and division identifiers are common. School cheer teams often include mascots and school colors. Sparkle, movement, and energy should shine through the design to capture cheer's spirit.
Can I add individual cheerleader names to pins?: Absolutely! Many squads add cheerleader names around the pin's border or on individual danglers attached below the main pin. This is especially popular for small all-star teams (15-20 athletes) where you can fit all names legibly. For larger school squads (30+ cheerleaders), consider using jersey numbers instead of names, or creating position-specific pins (flyers, bases, tumblers). Team roster pins with all names are treasured keepsakes that commemorate specific seasons and competition teams.
What size pins are best for cheerleading teams?: For youth cheer teams (ages 6-10), 1.25-1.5 inch pins work perfectly—affordable and appropriately sized for younger athletes. Junior and senior all-star teams (ages 11-18) typically prefer 1.5-1.75 inch pins that allow room for detailed stunts, glitter backgrounds, and team names. High school varsity squads often choose 1.75-2 inch pins for maximum visual impact at competitions. The 1.5 inch size remains most popular across all levels, offering the best balance of detail, sparkle, and budget-friendliness.
How many pins should a cheer squad order?: Most cheerleading squads order 100-200 pins. For small all-star teams (12-20 athletes), 100-150 pins provide 8-10 pins per cheerleader for trading and keeping. Larger school squads (25-35 cheerleaders) typically order 150-200 pins. Many teams also sell extra pins to parents and fans as fundraisers. If attending a major competition like Worlds or Nationals where trading is popular, consider ordering on the higher end to ensure your squad has plenty for trading throughout the multi-day event.

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