Stacey Horton, local entrepreneur and founder of Major Cheer, an after-school cheer program, has announced the launch of a franchise program to expand and grow the business and mission. Major Cheer allows students the chance to learn the sport of cheerleading in a fun, structured, after-school program format. “We decided to grow this program in a way that will allow other schools to introduce this sport to students, and also enable and empower local entrepreneurs and athletes to build a business while contributing to their communities in a very spirited manner,” said Stacey Horton, Major Cheer founder.

Horton began teaching cheerleading as an after-school program format in 2000 when her children were attending Myakka City Elementary School, a rural school with limited after-school athletics program options. Formerly Cheer Jam, Major Cheer was launched as a full-scale, after-school cheerleading program, including summer camp programs. Franchise opportunities were introduced in 2019 and a list of current locations can be found at MajorCheer.net.  Along with her daughter, Dominique Jackson, and franchisee and former Major Cheer alumni, Ashley Matthews, Horton and her team currently coach 400 students involved in the after-school program. The program is known for the original, creative choreography and notable alumni performances, which include appearances at the 50th Daytona 500, sports games for teams including the Tampa Bay Bucs and Superbowl XLIII.