Recruiting Guide

Manila Universities with Cheer Dance, Cheerleading, and Gymnastics Talent

For a kids gymnastics school in Manila, the strongest coach candidates do not always come from a formal gymnastics program. Many good candidates come from cheer dance, cheerleading, dance, PE, sports science, and university varsity backgrounds.

Last updated: July 2026. University club names, tryout schedules, and team activity can change each school year, so applicants should always confirm current details with the school or team page before contacting a club.

Why university cheer teams matter for kids gymnastics hiring

Cheer dance and cheerleading athletes often train jumps, flexibility, rhythm, tumbling, partner work, timing, and performance discipline. Those skills do not automatically make someone a gymnastics coach, but they are useful foundations for teaching children basic movement, balance, coordination, confidence, and safe class routines.

For Osaru no Mori Manila, the best candidates are not only strong movers. They should also be patient with children, reliable with schedules, willing to learn safety standards, and comfortable communicating in English. Tagalog communication is also welcome.

Manila and Metro Manila universities to watch

University of the Philippines Diliman UP Pep Squad is one of the best-known UAAP cheerdance teams. UP students and alumni with dance, cheer, and movement backgrounds can be strong assistant-coach candidates.

University of Santo Tomas UST Salinggawi Dance Troupe is widely associated with dance and cheerleading in the UAAP. The university also has a large student population in Manila, useful for part-time hiring.

National University The NU Pep Squad has been a major force in UAAP cheerdance. Candidates from this environment may have strong performance, conditioning, and stunt discipline.

Far Eastern University FEU Cheering Squad has a visible UAAP cheerdance presence and is another practical school to watch for cheer, dance, and movement talent.

Adamson University Adamson Pep Squad has been part of the UAAP cheerdance circuit and can be relevant when searching for energetic assistant coaches and movement leaders.

Ateneo de Manila University Ateneo's cheer group is part of the UAAP ecosystem. It can be useful for candidates with organized school spirit, performance, and event experience.

De La Salle University DLSU Animo Squad represents La Salle in UAAP cheerdance and can be a source of dancers, cheerleaders, and student-athletes with coaching potential.

University of the East UE is especially relevant because public university materials have listed both Cheer Squad training and Gymnastics training in past athletic schedules.

Important distinction: cheer dance is not the same as gymnastics

A cheerleader or dancer may be excellent with rhythm, flexibility, jumps, and performance, but children's gymnastics requires careful progressions, spotting awareness, mat safety, class control, and age-appropriate lesson design. For that reason, Osaru no Mori Manila should treat cheer and dance backgrounds as a strong starting point, then provide training before assigning lead-coach responsibilities.

For lead gymnastics roles, prioritize candidates with direct gymnastics coaching, competitive gymnastics, PE teaching, or verified tumbling instruction experience.

How to approach student-athletes professionally

Post a clear part-time role with location, hourly rate range, training rate, and expected schedule.
Say that former gymnasts, cheerleaders, dancers, PE students, and kids sports coaches are welcome.
Ask for a short movement video or public performance link only if the applicant is comfortable sharing one.
Do not ask athletes to leave their school team. Position the work as weekend or after-class coaching experience.
Confirm age, ID, availability, and child-safety requirements before hiring.

Sample outreach copy

We are hiring part-time kids gymnastics and movement coaches in Manila/BGC/Taguig. Former gymnasts, cheerleaders, dancers, PE students, and kids sports coaches are welcome. Training is provided. English communication is important; Tagalog is welcome. Please send your background, available schedule, and any movement or coaching experience.