Raising a cheer for top dance contest in Telford
They came from far and wide – 5,500 cheerleaders all hoping for glory.
And anyone doubting the skill and commitment needed to be a cheerleader would soon be put in their place with a visit to Telford International Centre.
The venue hosted the BCA Cheer and Dance Championships, with teams from all four corners of the UK competing for bragging rights.
The weekend event saw a one-day university squad competition and a two-day club contest. About 2,000 cheerleaders competed for their university on Friday, followed by another 3,500 from clubs the the rest of the weekend. They competed hard during the day and enjoyed the attractions of Southwater in the evening.
David Veal, administration manager of the championships, said the International Centre was an excellent choice of location. The event has been returning to Telford since 2004.
He said: "I like the way Telford has been developed. There are lots of new restaurants and lots of hotels, which is what our groups need. The new shopping street is within reach.
"I think people like coming because it is the longest-running event of this type, it is a good central location. Easter is also a great time to hold this kind of event because the students are on a break from their studies so they have time to spend here."
The wealth of teams competing shows showed there is clearly a growing interest in the sport.
Mr Veal said: "I think it is because media coverage of the sport is growing, there is much more than there used to be, and because more schools are introducing it as part of their curriculum.
Taking part in her first competition at Telford on Friday was 20-year-old Alexandra Bailey from Stoke-on-Trent.
The performing arts student was part of the Staffordshire University Scarlettes team who took home third place in the level one all-girls' competition.
She said: "I started cheering this year and I'm so glad I did because I have really enjoyed it. It is so exciting to be here and everyone is so nice and friendly.
"My partner goes to Derby University so it is great to meet their squad and lots of people from different universities."
"We're so pleased to have won a trophy, we've all put in so much work. We all do different courses so we've had to set aside weekends, evenings, get up at 6am to practice and it is amazing that it has paid off."
Bishop Grosseteste University in Lincoln entered its Lions team for the first time after only starting its team this educational year. Laura Bluck, 22, an education and art student, said she was pleased with how their team did.
"It was all clean, they hit everything really well," she said. "There's a great atmosphere here – we've only got one team here but you could hear people all over the hall cheering."
The Hurricanes had travelled down from Aberdeen University to enter the level one contest.
Zoe McDonald-Mair, 19, who studies English and history of art, said: "Seeing all the other teams makes you realise the sport is much bigger than you think. It is exciting but really nerve-wracking too because you're watching all the other teams and they're all so good."
