The Indianapolis Colts Cheerleaders are a 32 woman cheer-leading squad which originated in Baltimore in 1954, as first official NFL cheer-leading squad. The squad was started by two young Colts fans who recruited the original squad which consisted of 10 in all. They made their own costumes and constructed their own pom-poms. Many were mothers and wives. At one point, the squad's mascot was a horse in representation of the team name - The Colts.http://www.footballbabble.com/football/nfl/indianapolis-colts/cheerleaders/

There are several requirements to becoming an Indianapolis Colts Cheerleader. Although there are no age limits, the youngest an applicant can be is 18. Applicants are not required to have a dance background but are required to have a High School Diploma or GED and appear at a minimum of 15 community events each season. Applicants must pay a $25 fee in order to to audition.http://www.colts.com/sub.cfm?page=cheerleaders_dynamic&id=78

Every year The Colts Cheerleaders strive to extend themselves to the community, traveling around the state of Indiana for appearances and performances in an effort to increase the Colts' fan base. Last year the Indianapolis Colts Cheerleaders participated in over 300 appearances. In addition they have formed the Colts Cheerleaders Show Troupe which participates in events such as conventions, fairs, tradeshows, corporate meetings, grand openings, and festivals. Most recently the troupe performed for U.S. military troops in the South Pacific, and Kosovo as well as at the Wizards Stadium in Fort Wayne, IN, the River Bats Stadium in Louisville, KY and he Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, OH.http://www.colts.com/sub.cfm?page=cheerleaders_dynamic&id=79

Junior Cheer is a full season program open to girls from seven to fourteen years of age, in which participants have the opportunity to perform on the field during the game season as well as at other events and presentations. The program typically accepts 300 applicants from across the Midwest and teaches them the fundamentals of cheering and dancing.

Benefits of becoming a Junior Cheerleader include a kick off bowling party with The Colts Cheerleaders, clinic and rehearsals taught by Colts Cheerleaders and choreographers, field appearances and performances, television appearances, hair and makeup lessons, an official Junior Colts Cheerleading uniform and pom poms, photographs with current Colts Cheerleaders, an official certificate, photo opportunities with 2010 Colts Cheerleaders and a farewell party. There is a program fee of $345 to participate. To register call (317) 808-5238.http://www.colts.com/sub.cfm?page=cheerleaders_dynamic&id=102