Cheshire Cheer show there is more to the sport than pom poms

Cheshire Cheer, who train every week at Rudheath Leisure Centre, has attracted more than 250 students - ranging from three-years-old to 30-years-old - and have won 300 trophies in its eight year career.

Recently returning from London after competing in the Future Cheer Regionals, where they won five first place and two second place trophies, the group is looking for new members who can carry on the cheerleading legacy.

“Our motto is ‘One Team, One Family, One Heart’,” said head coach Clare Kelly.

“And we really are just like one big family. We seem to spend a great deal of time together training and competing in various competitions, as well as holding our own awards ceremonies and taking the team on holidays and camping weekends.

“We even include other siblings and parents in our events so it’s like we have an extended cheer family.”

Cheshire Cheer is part of larger company NCD, owned by Nicola Carolyn Darby, who also has a team on the Wirral called Wirral Cheer.

“NCD is a fantastic fun club – the best in the North West,” said Clare.

With the help of films, Clare says cheerleading has become extremely popular in England over recent years, with people now realising what it is all about.

“Cheerleading is a very athletic and exciting sport, incorporating dance, stunts, jumps and tosses and it’s for boys as well as girls.

“I think people realise now that there is a lot more to it than just shaking pom poms.

“We cover many different classes including cheer, tumbles, conditions, jazz and our brand new hip hop classes. We’re also proud to train the Supercatz, our own special needs cheerleading squad.”

This year’s success has motivated the squad to win even more, with plans to compete in Scotland next year.

Clare said: “If we win in Scotland we’ll be able to compete in America at the World Championships which we have never done before.”

For more information about Cheshire Cheer and NCD, call 07751 501695.