5 Ways to Keep Fans Engaged (Even When Your Team is Losing… By A Lot)

Let’s be real, Coach, sometimes the scoreboard isn’t on our side. The energy drops. The crowd goes silent. Your athletes start to feel it. And suddenly, the vibe on the sideline is as deflated as the score.

But this is where cheerleaders can take their role to the next level. Your team doesn’t just cheer when things are good, they lead spirit especially when the going gets tough.

Here are 5 ways to keep the crowd engaged, even when the score says otherwise:

1. Shift the Focus from Score to School Spirit

When the team’s down, double down on school pride.

Instead of focusing on the game, pump up chants and signs that celebrate your school:

• “We Are – [Mascot Name]”
• “Let’s Go [School Name]”
• “Here we go [Mascot Name] Let’s Go!”

Use signs, flags, or coordinated poms to make these cheers visual. Get the student section chanting with you even if we’re losing, we’re proud of who we are.

2. Use Fun Cheers

Fun Cheers that get the crowd involved can help make the game more fun. Try crowd involvement cheers that don’t reference the score but keep things fun:

• “We’ve got SPIRIT yeah, yeah”
• “Party!”
• “Do it”

Keep it positive, respectful, and crowd-friendly.

3. Amp Up Crowd Involvement Games

When the action on the field slows, let your sideline become the entertainment. Bring out:

• T-shirt tosses
• Student section spirit battles (Freshmen vs. Seniors!)
• “Silent cheer” challenges (who can stay quiet the longest, then explode into noise!)

If you're allowed, use the mic or team megaphone to lead these mini-challenges between plays or during timeouts.

4. Involve the Kids in the Crowd

Nothing brings smiles faster than letting the littlest fans shine. Send your cheerleaders to high-five young fans, hand out stickers, or teach a simple chant.

You can even invite kids to join a chant for a play or timeout break:

• “Repeat after me!”
• “Let’s hear it from the future cheerleaders!”

It builds community connection and keeps families engaged—even if the team is struggling.

5. Model Relentless Positivity from the Sideline

The most powerful tool you have? Your team’s attitude. If your squad folds under pressure, the crowd will too. But if your cheerleaders:

• Smile
• Stay loud
• Keep moving
• Celebrate every first down or good effort…

…then they lead by example.

Remember - you're training leaders with good sportsmanship who rise above circumstances.

Final Thoughts

There will always be tough games. A cheerleader’s job is most important in games like these. Your team can inspire pride and spirit when it’s needed most. And when fans leave the game remembering the energy and fun at the game, that will create a memorable experience as if they just watched the school team win.