Girls with plenty to cheer about with trophy haul

A CHEERLEADING squad from Mangotsfield is celebrating after picking up a clutch of trophies at a national competition.

The girls from the Phoenix Allstars walked away with nine major prizes from the British Cheerleading Association's Midland Classics competition, which was held in Telford.

But the prize the dancers were most proud of was the award for sportsmanship, which they were nominated for from more than 20 squads.

The Allstars – 70 girls between the ages of four and 21 led by coaches Miranda Burn, Emma Fox, Lottie Wilmott and Steve Offer – put in hours of training in the lead-up to the competition, sometimes practising for up to 24 hours a week at Mangotsfield School.

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More than 100 squad members and their parents went to the competition, and teams from all of the Allstars age groups took part, including the minis, pee-wees, youth, junior and senior age group teams.

On the first day squads competed in cheerleading stunt routines, which included "basket tossing" – throwing cheerleaders through the air – and making human platforms.

On the Sunday they took part in pom-pom competitions and hip-hop dancing, again picking up an array of awards. The Telford competition saw the Allstars unveil their new mascot, Phoebe Allstar, who supported the cheerleaders throughout the weekend and won the mascot dance-off.

Kate Hooper, who helps co-ordinate the Allstars and is mum to dancers Freya, four, and Maisie, seven, said the squad were very proud of their achievements.

Mrs Hooper, 35, from Downend, said: "We did really, really well, and were really proud to win the sportsmanship award, which is presented to the squad that promotes fairness to all the teams over the weekend.

"We also saw our two youngest girls, Freya and Skye, who are just four, showcase their routine in front of thousands of people.

"We did sweetie bags with good luck messages for the squads and we also made flags and banners, and even did a parents' dance-off.

"The girls love cheerleading, it is their life. They put so much time and hard work in, and they are always thinking about how to improve and what to do next, so it is just fantastic that they did so well. They really deserved their success."

The squad won five divisions in the competition, came second in four, and fourth and seventh in others.

The Allstars are holding annual try-outs on July 8 at Mangotsfield School. The squad is keen to expand, and is even introducing a mum's team. Call Emma Fox on 07866 678 083 or email phoebeallstar@gmail.com.