Shropshire Star

National cheerleading training base to open in Telford

A central training base for cheerleading and dance in England is set to open in Shropshire after the scheme was given the green light.

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Cheerleading firm and academy CheerForce has been given permission by Telford & Wrekin Council to open the base at Ketley Business Park in Telford.

The central hub, which will act as its headquarters, would also be recognised by the British Cheerleading Association as a place to train coaches from all over the UK.

The base will have a full sprung floor in a dance hall setting, which will be used to teach a variety of sports, including cheerleading, dance and gymnastics.

Telford & Wrekin councillor Mark Boylan, who represents the Ketley and Overdale ward, has welcomed the scheme.

He said: "Anything which promotes health and wellbeing is greatly welcomed.

"It will be absolutely great for the local area and the economy."

The CheerForce academy provides coaching and training to cheerleaders and dancers of all ages.

Its brand now reaches all over the UK, with additional training venues in Cumbria.

CheerForce claims to be among the most successful academies in the country, holding more than 200 regional, national and European titles.

The proposals were submitted by CheerForce's director Rachael Swinnerton.

She brought cheerleading into Telford and Shropshire in 2011 and now teaches more than 130 athletes every week.

It has been trading as a limited company for more than 14 months and now aims to expand the brand.

The CheerForce headquarters will also be used by Team England Dance to train monthly.

A report submitted by Ms Swinnerton said the British Cheerleading Association also wanted to become involved with the development.

It would use the centre to train its dance teams and coaches, according to the report.

The report added: "Securing a premises in Ketley, Telford, would create a central hub for cheerleading in England."

CheerForce's athletes have been training at various locations, including leisure centres and community halls, for the past five years.

It is understood that opening hours at the hub would vary depending on the competing season.

CheerForce Ten's main place of training is Telford Langley School in Dawley, and the squad also uses the Castle Hall in Bridgnorth.

The group is currently recruiting for new dancers across all ages ready for the new competitive season. It also wants to welcome anyone who is passionate about learning the sport.

Cheerleading is one of the fastest growing sports in the UK, with more than 50,000 athletes registered within the BCA.

For more information about CheerForce, visit www.cheerforceten.co.uk

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