A record number of about 500 competitors will take part in CanCheer held at the UC sports hall.

Competitors will battle it out on the floor, performing routines described as being like those in the 2000 movie Bring It On.

According to Heat Cheerleading director and event organiser Bronwyn Morgan, cheerleading is growing in prominence nationally.

It recently became a provisionally approved Olympic sport.

"Cheerleading is very athletic, there's a lot of strength involved and it combines elements of dance and gymnastics," Ms Morgan said.

"As a national sport, it's huge. It's vibrant and fun to watch with plenty of glitter and a lot of spectacular stuff on the floor."

Ms Morgan and her 10-year-old daughter Dani McHugh will compete alongside each other at the event.

"It's so much fun to be able to share that with her," Ms Morgan said.

"I think she gets a real kick out of seeing me compete, and I of course enjoy watching her. It's wonderful that we can share that together."

Eight clubs across Canberra, including three school teams, will compete in the event.

Canberra City Cheerleading coach Olivia Morrison said she was expecting to have up to 40 girls competing.

Ms Morrison said the Canberra competition was the first of the season.

"It's a bit more casual and laid-back, so it gives the kids a good chance to get on the floor performing in front of a crowd without it being intimidating," she said.

Ms Morrison said cheerleading was becoming more popular nationally and internationally, and events like CanCheer helped increase the prominence of the sport.

"There are still people who don't understand actually how athletic the competition is and they don't understand how athletic the training is," she said.

"The international community is obviously recognising it. The more that it's talked about the more people can be educated about it."

CanCheer will be held at the UC sports hall from 9am to 5pm. Food and drinks are available on site. Spectator entry is $10 for adults, $5 for children.