Varsity was comprised of UCA, UDA, ACA, & USA prior to being taken private with the help of Leonard Green & Partners (Consumer Products Portfolio). Since then they have been on a buying spree.

NCA, NDA, & CDT – This acquisition gave Varsity the major player in the All*Star market, as well as the second largest in the camp and uniform businesses.

Athletic Championships & Premier Athletics – This acquisition brought manpower (Mike Martinez, Boog Potter, & Cole Stott) to Varsity, as well as guaranteed clientèle. Varsity now has gyms that can buy uniforms and attend competitions, allowing Varsity to benefit from multiple sources.

WSF – Provides an east coast presence, one of the areas Varsity was weak.

American Championships, Spirit Team, & CTC – Eliminates significant competition in the resident camp business.

Spirit Sports – This one confuses us. James Speed (University of Louisville & Gym Tyme) is the only thing that comes to mind.

Cheer Power – Cheer Power was the driving force behind Final Destination & the Small Gym Association. This purchase would have seriously hampered Final Destination if the JAM Bands didn’t step in. It also gave Varsity a much larger presence with small gyms.

All Star Challenge -All Star Challenge has some unique events and well respected leaders.

Spirit Cheer – Spirit Cheer has a unique relationship with the NBA, which Varsity can expand.

We missed the announcement, but Jammy has bought Power Cheer & Dance. I don’t know much about them, but you can visit their website here.

http://www.powercheeranddance.com/

We Cheer, a cheerleading video game, has shipped for the Nintendo Wii.

The IALC issued the following information about the event:

Coaches,

I know it is difficult to keep up with all the information and “new stuff” that is happening in the all-star market. I wanted to take this opportunity to provide answers for the “most asked” questions about All-Levels and help clear up some of the confusion! And, remember to check out the new website at www.all-levels.com.

1. All-Levels was created to give non-worlds teams an opportunity to work towards an end-of-the-season championship similar to the Worlds event.
2. The USASF is NOT running the All-Levels events. All-Levels is a collaborative effort between the Founding Partners – some of the biggest and best Event Producers in the industry. Check out the complete list at the All-Levels website.
3. The Founding Partners are members of the USASF.
4. 4. In order for your teams to qualify for the All-Levels, they must earn a bid at a Qualifying Event produced by one of our Founding Partners. To find a Qualifying Event, visit the “Qualifying Locations” page on the All-Levels website.
5. At each Qualifying Event, teams will earn bids based on their award placement. First Place winners will pay only $25 per participant, Second Place Bid winners will pay $45 per participant, and Third Place Bid winners will pay $65 per participant. The All-Levels Founding Partners will also be issuing At-Large Bids at their discretion.
6. At each Qualifying Event, 1 PAID BID will be awarded by the Founding Partners. A PAID BID means that your All-Levels registration fees have been waived. Paid Bid Winners WILL have to cover their own transportation and housing.
7. The All-Levels Championships will be held in April and May at 5 different locations across the country – Los Angeles, Atlanta, San Antonio, Atlantic City and Columbus.
8. The only divisions not eligible to compete at All-Levels are; Level 1 Tiny, L5 and L6 Senior Level Divisions, International Open and International Open Coed.
9. All Level 5 Junior Divisions (L5 Small Junior, L5 Large Junior and L5 Junior Coed) ARE eligible to compete to All-Levels.
10. In late May, after the 5 All-Levels events occur, Varsity will be hosting the Grand Championship online. Judges will log onto the website and score the winning videos from all 5 locations. The highest scoring teams during this round of competition will be crowned the first-ever “Virtual Grand Champion”.

The International All Level Championship has added All Junior Level 5 divisions to the competition. See the press release on Varsity.com.

The USASF has recently released a new website. At first look it appears to be a significant upgrade over the last version. Check it out at USASF.net.

Spirit Cheer is the latest company to become a Varsity Brand. See the Press Release here.