Memphis Business Journal Spotlights New Documentary on Varsity Spirit Founder Jeff Webb

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MEMPHIS, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 23, 2025--

As reported by the Memphis Business Journal, a feature documentary is now in production about Jeff Webb, the influential founder of Varsity Spirit and president of the International Cheer Union. The film will explore Webb’s journey from launching Varsity Spirit in 1974 to leading the global push to make cheerleading an Olympic sport.

The documentary is directed by veteran filmmaker Frank Rainone and produced by September Club, the award-winning production company behind acclaimed documentaries such as Murder Among the Mormons, The Last Blockbuster, and Jim & Andy. The film is expected to be released in 2025.

“It’s a great story. He’s an American success story,” said Rainone in the Business Journal interview. “I’ve never in my life seen, honestly, a story quite like this.”

Filming has already taken place in Memphis, and the production team has compiled more than 50 hours of archival footage. The film will spotlight Webb’s transformative role in modern cheerleading, his efforts to bring the sport to the Olympic stage, and the broader cultural impact of Varsity Spirit on American youth and athletics as well as the challenges he faced along the way.

Webb stepped down as chairman of Varsity Spirit in 2020 and continues to serve as president of the International Cheer Union, which has led the successful charge for cheerleading’s recognition by the International Olympic Committee.

For more information, you can read the full Memphis Business Journal article here.

View source version on businesswire.com:https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250523027420/en/

CONTACT: Stephen Francy

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KEYWORD: UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA TENNESSEE

INDUSTRY KEYWORD: ENTERTAINMENT SPORTS FILM & MOTION PICTURES LGBTQ+ GENERAL SPORTS FAMILY CONSUMER OTHER SPORTS GENERAL ENTERTAINMENT TEENS OLYMPICS WOMEN

SOURCE: International Cheer Union

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PUB: 05/23/2025 12:50 PM/DISC: 05/23/2025 12:49 PM

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