A new international organization, the Association for International All-Star (AIA), has launched with a mission to expand global competition opportunities, establish standardized qualification pathways, and promote sustainability within All-Star Cheer and Dance. The organization states that it aims to create an independent and inclusive governing body that unites event producers, gym owners, and industry stakeholders worldwide.
For decades, the All-Star industry has operated without a unified global framework, leading to inconsistencies in competition structures, qualification processes, and event accessibility. AIA was developed over the past 15 months by industry leaders seeking to address these challenges by introducing a transparent and stakeholder-driven model designed to foster collaboration, growth, and fairness in All-Star competition.
AIA Global Tournament Set to Launch in 2026
As part of its initiative to expand international competition opportunities, AIA has introduced the AIA Global Tournament (AIAT)—the first-ever rotating international All-Star Cheer and Dance invitational. Unlike traditional end-of-season championships, the AIA Global Tournament is designed as a standalone event that takes place every 18 months, offering a structured, multi-round qualification system that ensures fairness and competitive balance.
The first AIA Global Tournament is scheduled for July 16-19, 2026, in Montreal, Canada, and will feature U16–Open teams in Levels 2–7 competing across multiple rounds to earn a global title. The tournament’s regional qualification model allows teams to advance based on performance-based scores rather than discretionary bids.
Key Objectives of AIA’s Mission
1. Establishing Global Standardization
AIA aims to introduce a clear and consistent framework for All-Star Cheer and Dance competitions worldwide. This includes defining qualification criteria, event structures, and judging transparency to ensure that athletes, coaches, and event organizers operate under a fair and predictable system.
2. Expanding International Competition Access
The AIA Global Tournament is structured to increase global representation by welcoming teams from eight major regions, including:
- North America
- South America
- Central America/Caribbean
- Oceania
- Asia Pacific
- United Kingdom
- Europe/Asia
- Scandinavia
The tournament will follow a five-round competitive format, allowing teams to progress through multiple stages based on performance.
3. Supporting Event Producers and Gym Owners
AIA has stated its commitment to financial sustainability within the industry through a revenue-sharing model designed to support event producers and gym owners. By redistributing a portion of tournament revenues, AIA seeks to ensure that competition organizers and gym programs benefit financially, allowing them to reinvest in their athletes and events.
4. Enhancing Transparency and Governance
One of AIA’s core principles is transparency in decision-making, competition structures, and financial operations. The association has established an international Board of Directors, composed of industry leaders from multiple regions, to oversee governance and ensure fairness, accessibility, and competitive integrity.
AIA Board of Directors (As of January 22, 2025)
| Name | Position | Country/Region |
|---|---|---|
| Jibreel Rayam | President | North America |
| Gary Veal | Vice President | United Kingdom |
| Amelia Allred | Secretary | USA |
| Adele Leather | Treasurer 1 | United Kingdom |
| Jim Greenough | Treasurer 2 | Canada |
| Danielle Jimenez | Board Member | Australia |
| Alison Dytko | Board Member | USA |
| Daniel Luna | Advisor | Canada, Mexico, Colombia |
According to AIA, this leadership team will work to ensure athlete-focused policies, industry-wide collaboration, and financial sustainability within the sport.
AIA Global Tournament: Competition Format
The AIA Global Tournament will follow a multi-round format, with teams competing in five elimination rounds to determine the overall champions.
| Day | Matches | Teams Competing |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | First Round Matches | 28 teams |
| Day 2 | Second Round Matches | 16 teams |
| Day 3 | Fierce 4 Matches | 8 teams |
| Day 4 | Finals | 4 teams |
The competition will feature both All-Star Cheer and All-Star Dance divisions, with categories including:
- All-Star Cheer: U16–Open teams (Levels 2–7)
- All-Star Dance: Elite Pom, Hip Hop, Contemporary/Lyrical, & Jazz teams
AIA has stated that the regional qualification process will ensure that teams earn their invitations through merit-based performance rather than discretionary selection.
What’s Next for AIA?
As AIA prepares for its first Global Tournament in 2026, the organization has announced plans to release further details on:
- Membership opportunities for gym owners and event producers
- Competition rules and qualification guidelines
- Industry-wide initiatives to promote sustainability and athlete development
According to AIA, its long-term goal is to reshape the future of international All-Star Cheer and Dance, ensuring that all stakeholders have a voice in shaping the sport’s evolution.
The countdown to Montreal 2026 has begun, marking the start of what AIA describes as a new era for global All-Star competition.
