Cheerleading team in call for support

Leamington Sparklers is hoping to raise £20,000 so it can send a team to Rimini in Italy on July 1. The club won the national championships in February, beating the three-times national champions, and now its team of ten to 12-year-olds will be one of three teams representing the UK.

Head coach Kim Stevenson says the thought of competing at an international level still has not sunk in for many of the girls.

She said: “It goes up a level now. You don’t get to represent your country at a sport very often.

“Cheerleading isn’t known as a sport in it’s own right but Leamington Sparklers are seven times national champions.”

But success doesn’t come cheap. The club must pay for travel, accommodation, kit and uniform for the 17 girls taking part.

It has raised almost £5,000 in the past month but is hoping to raise more. Any extra money will be used for future competitions and for training coaches.

The club trains at Aylesford School in Warwick and takes members from around the county.

Ms Stevenson says cheerleading often attracts girls and boys who aren’t drawn to more mainstream sports, but still helps them keep fit, meet new friends and learn to perform as a team.

She said: “Kids are able to achieve a lot in a short space of time.

“For many it’s their first year competing, and to achieve international level in their first year is massive.”

Call 07788 728473 for information or to make a donation.