More than 1,000 young athletes showed off their moves at the University of Regina Cheerleading Championship Saturday.

Teams from across the prairies took part in the competition.

Miah McIntosh, 12, from Calgary was at the event with her squad, the Pythons. She told CBC News it's important to remember cheer face when performing.

"It's, like, where you smile and you look at people with, like, cool eyes and you're sassy and stuff," said McIntosh.

Her teammate, Emmery Borg, 11, said she joined the group because she likes to perform in front of a crowd.

"I've always wanted to be a cheerleader since I was younger so it's just really fun," said Borg.

University of Regina cheer coach, Thomas Rath, said the event is a good recruitment tool — it allows him to keep an eye on upcoming talent and show potential prospects what his squad can do.

The U of R team, which is considered by many to be the top squad in Canada, performed on the weekend but did not compete. The group won nationals in December and will heading to the United States national competition in two weeks.

Some of the Pythons show off their cheer faces. (Sheryl Rennie/CBC)