HOW TO BECOME A CHEERLEADER IN THE UK
Step 1) Decide what makes you want to become a cheerleader
Step 2) Learn the basic skills. A Cheerobics® class or DVD is the perfect way to get started before you want to join a team.
Step 3) Find a team near you that you can join. Here are some useful links to help you find one near you:
Step 4) Do you want to teach cheerleading or become a coach? Consider a Cheerobics Instructor Training or look at the CheerCoach guide for alternative cheerleading qualifications.
ABOUT CHEERLEADING IN THE UK
A 2011 study from the Department of Education, published in September, that showed 37% of schools in the UK (four in ten) now offer Cheerleading as part of the physical education curriculum.
There are so many people out there that want to become a cheerleader. The truth is that Cheerleading is an amazing activity which not only teaches various disciplines of movement such as dance, gymnastics and acrobatics, but it is an incredibly fun social activity which helps to develop teammwork and collaboration skills and also helps participants improve their confidence. self-awareness and self-discipline. Contrary to popular beliefs, it does not limit participation to a particular age group or skill level: anyone who wants to get involved can find a place in cheerleading whether it is for fitness, competition or just a bit of fun.
HISTORY OF CHEERLEADING IN THE UK
1984 - American Football Comes to Britain, and brings Cheerleading with it
1986 - NFL stages American Bowl at Wembley stadium. A newsletter letter for cheerleaders by Lorraine Royal made a regular weekly appearance in the newspaper which addressed the problems faced by cheer squads and was used as an educational, informative, lifeline.
1989 - UCA comes to the UK and intorduces Cheerleading as part of the New Year Parade in London
1989- United Kingdom Cheerleading Consortium (UKCC) is formed, by Lorraine Royal
1990 - First ever National UKCC Championship - start of UK competitive cheerleading
1991 - UKCC squads invited to perform at the World and Americal Bowl series
1994 - UKCC splits to form BCA (Bob Kiralfy) and UKCA (Sharyne Barson)
2000 - First Scottish National Cheerleading Championships
2001 - Inaugural ICF World Championship Tokyo, Japan
2005 - Andrea Kulberg and Tessa Crow found Future Cheer
2006 - Ascension Eagles and Goldstar are the first UK team to compete at IASF Cheerleading Worlds
2010 - Jessica Zoo creates Cheerobics® - the first Cheerleading Workout certified programme in the world, facilitating participation in cheerleading for all ages.
2012 - Best score to date for the UK: Unity Allstars place 5th at IASF Cheer Worlds
