How your kid can perform with the Falcons cheerleaders during a home game

Being on the field at Mercedes-Benz Stadium during a game is something a lot of kids probably dream about. But not everyone wants to be a football player.

For those girls and boys who would rather be a dancer than a defensive back, the Falcons cheerleaders have an opportunity to make those dreams come true.

Starting Saturday, Aug. 24, kids ages 5-13 can participate in the Falcons’ Junior Cheerleading Program. Participants will attend rehearsals once a month, and will show off what they learn during halftime of the Falcons home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Dec. 22.

» AJC's coverage of the Atlanta Falcons

Rehearsals are based on age, with 5- to 7-year-olds practicing 9-11 a.m.; and kids 8-10 and 11-13 practicing in separate groups from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

On Saturday, Nov. 2, all age groups will rehearse together on the field.

For the $295 program fee, participants will receive instruction from current Falcons cheerleaders, an official junior cheer uniform, a program T-shirt and pompoms.

The program is open to both girls and boys. After all, Quinton Peron and Napoleon Jinnies, members of the L.A. Rams spirit squad, made history in Atlanta as the first men to perform with an NFL cheerleading team during a Super Bowl.

» NFL's first male cheerleaders to make Super Bowl debut in Atlanta

One important note: Tickets to the Dec. 22 game are not included in the program fee. Parents will need to purchase tickets for themselves and their cheerleader in order to watch the game.

You can get more information and register your child for the program on the Falcons website.