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Are You In A University Squad?

Cheerleading at University is a popular hobby for many Cheerers who begin at an early stage. Although, there are many University Cheerers who are new to the sport. Cheerleading is a great society to join whilst studying at University (we would highly recommend it), it’s a great fun sport to keep you healthy and is a brilliant way to meet people and make friends!

If you are a member of your University Cheer squad then why not speak to your Student Union, and see if you are also involved with The UKCA? It is a great opportunity to work with us here at The UKCA, and to get your University Cheer Team involved with what we do. This also opens up a whole new avenue of competitions and events to get your squad involved with!

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So, whether you are studying in the North, the Midlands or the South then you could easily get your team involved. Registration with The UKCA is FREE so you need not worry about having to pay! We understand that students can struggle financially and we appreciate that. Perhaps you and your team could see what events are happening near you and organise for your team to attend.

Encouraging your University Cheer Squad to join up with The UKCA is a fantastic way to boost your teams activities, you could hold fantastic University events in conjunction with our competition weekends! We love to meet new members and it would be fantastic to have more squads involved! Contact us on 01625 838557 if you would like to discuss getting involved with us further or simply email enquiries@ukca.org.uk

Winter Championships 2014!

Here at The UKCA we hold 5 competitions across each and every year!

There are many different reasons why we hold so many of these competitions but mainly it is for fun!

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However, you do need to adhere to the UKCA rules and regulations at our competitions due to health and safety. Also, this ensures that all of our competitions are ran the same way and are fair. You can download the full document of the UKCA rules here on our website under the tab of competitions & rules. This is a handy document to have and we suggest that every member has a copy which they read and know well.

You also have to think about whether you are are eligible. Do you have insurance? That is key to competing with us. It is incredibly important to have yourself covered with insurance. Accidents are a rare occurrence, but you need to make sure that you have practices in place to help yourself! You must always take extra care when competing in a sporting event.

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Also, coaches need to make sure that they prepare their teams and squads accordingly. It is important to note that there needs to be 1 coach in attendance for every 5 cheerleaders. This also can be solved by having helpers come along with you to assist in looking after your squad – this is paramount!

We don’t want to just talk to you about the rules side of the competition, we want you to have fun! But please keep in mind that these regulations are in place for a reason.

Thank you. Happy Friday & EAT, SLEEP, CHEER REPEAT!

Street Cheer Course @ Northfield School

Are you thinking about entering a Street Cheer course near you?

Well if you are considering entering a course to raise your Cheerleading skills the you will enjoy this post as we are discussing a course which we held recently. We held a Street Cheer course last weekend at Northfield School & Sports College, Thames Road Billingham TS22 5EG.

These were the courses which we held last weekend:
26/09/14 Street Cheer Basic Skills @ Northfield School
27/09/14 Street Cheer Leadership Award @ Northfield School

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This small group of Cheerleaders on this course is a great way for you to learn. When our classes are small it means that you can be trained better, and this is also really fun for those involved as everyone gets to know each other better! And, as you can see from the pictures throughout this post everyone had lots of fun!

So if you want to participate in a course with us, whether Street Cheer or any other area of Cheerleading, then get in contact with us here for more information on our Upcoming Courses. Be sure to click on each section of our courses on the website for more information!

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Our courses cover mixed practical theory and we also teach our mission statement which is:

“To provide a channel for health and social education through Cheerleading to all young people regardless of sex, class, creed, culture, race or physical limitations.”

So no matter who you are, or what you are interested in The UKCA is here waiting for you to get involved!

See you at the Winter Championships!

Ready For The Winter Championships?

So, we know that you might think that we are talking about the Winter Championships a bit early but… it is much sooner than you think! Yes, we are in September now, but next week it is the start of October which means that there is only 8 weeks of training left. Scary, right? Well, it need not be! Considering the skills that were showed in June and July we are almost nervous at the skill we are sure to see in December. We are prepared to be blown away!

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There are going to be many different categories of Cheerleading across to competition. Which is your favourite? Remember there are also categories for individual performances. So, if you want to compete separately to your Cheer squad then why not go solo? Not only will you have all the support from your entire team but all members of The UKCA support all Cheerleaders! Especially, when performing on their own. So don’t be scared to enter alone!

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Don’t forget to register with us to be able to compete in December. Also, family, friends and spectators are welcome at all of our competitions that we run. If you are looking to be impressed with some fantastic talent then get your tickets here.

Simply, fill on your form and purchase you tickets in advance. We can’t wait for the competition!

Get your pom poms at the ready because The Winter Championships are rolling around on the 6th and the 7th of December 2014!

Let’s go The UKCA!

UKCA’s Natasha Barker Raising Money For Charity!

Natasha Barker is a UKCA Coach who is doing so much for her local community. Not only is she a Cheerleading coach in her spare time, but she is now also helping to raise money and awareness for The Christies Oncology Unit.

Join The Christie movement here & set up a fundraising page or simply donate! The Christie is a well known charity within the UK. Through this website you can also view past pledges and how much people have donated – there are many ice bucket donations!

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Here at the UK Cheerleading Association we like to support the activities of our members even outside of what they do within our organisation. Just like we supported the activities of Victoria Howarth and her needs to make it to Rio 2016 – we are now supporting Natasha Barker! You can help her reach her £100 target by following this link here and pledging your support!

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The Christies charitable organisation supports thousands of people in need. This charity has a specific focus upon cancer research. “Experts in cancer care, research and education” – The Christie Charity. Read more about how you can help Natasha and her campaign below and follow our links to support her cause!

“I am using my position as a finalist in the Miss North West Beauty pageant as a platform to raise money and awareness for The Christie Young Oncology Unit. I am encouraging all the cheerleading squads I am involved with to raise money for this cause and invite other squads to join the fundraising attempt by accepting the Christie’s Cheer Challenge! I will personally be organising a series of fundraising events and charity collections in the hope that we can raise as much money as possible for the unit.”

Enrol on a Course Today

At The UK Cheerleading Association we strive for the best. By doing this we allow all of our members to upgrade their skills as and when they would like to.

There are many different levels of Cheerleading ranging through pom dance to street cheer. So, no matter which area of cheer you are interested or more passionate about, we can help you to focus your skills on your area of expertise.

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Our course finder here easily allows you to source the classes and activities in your desired location. You can also see the existing course dates here. With courses running throughout the UK from Manchester to Leighton Buzzard there is sure to be a class near you!

The courses that we run are not just relevant to Cheerleaders alone, but to coaches as well! Are you a committed Cheerer in your area? Maybe you have considered becoming a coach? If so, why not see where our coaching classes are next running? You could end up in a position where you are able to run your own cheer class. You could even end up coaching your very own Cheer squad! This is a great opportunity to broaden your skills and involve others in a rewarding team activity!

As you increase your skill set throughout the training process and by involving yourself in our courses then you can soon reach higher levels elsewhere in Cheerleading. The more courses which you successfully complete, along with the many certificates which you will receive, will eventually mean that you can compete at higher levels. With the Winter Championships fast approaching wouldn’t you like to compete at a higher level in this competition?

Don’t forget – The UKCA Winter Championships are running on the 6th & the 7th of December 2014!

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This is the perfect time to get involved with our courses to allow you to really push yourself in our next competition. Go on, raise the bar and we’ll raise the roof this December!

Make sure you contact us via our course finder here. And don’t forget to book your tickets for the Winter Championships here. We can’t wait to see you in December!

It’s Time To Vote

This year has been a very busy year for UKCA and all of the volunteers and coaches involved. Our courses have been in high demand, we’ve held more fantastic competitions than ever and we’ve even hosted the European Cheerleading Championships in Manchester. It’s been a truly special year indeed.

As we tumble on into September it’s that time of year for us to start thinking about acknowledging the people who make all of our events, courses and training possible.

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Below are the voting forms for the “UKCA Young Volunteer of the Year” and the “UKCA Street Cheer Coach of the Year” awards. If you think one of the volunteers or street cheer coaches you know is worthy of winning our annual awards, make sure you get their nomination in before the voting closes on 31st October 2014.

Young Volunteer of the Year Award

Vote for the Young Volunteer of the Year Award here.

  • Please enter a short paragraph as to why you think this coach should be put forward for the Young Volunteer of the Year Award.

Wickersley Wonders Cheer Team support UK School Games on Friday 5th Sept.

On Friday 5th September, 73 members of Wickersley Wonders Cheer Team will be cheering at the UK School Games.

We are incredibly proud to announce that on Friday the 5th of September the Wickersley Warriors Cheer Team will be cheering at The UK School Games!

And yes – that’s all 73 of them! What an incredible Cheer squad to bring happiness, encouragement and support to the UK School Games. This talented Team boast such a high number of members that they are sure to make a real impact on the whole atmosphere of the event. That is what is so fantastic about Cheerleading, it is not just the Cheerleaders and those taking part in other forms of sports that feel good – it’s the spectators as well!

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We are so proud of the Cheer Team, as when they competed at the South Yorkshire School games and 2 of the members became Pom Dance Champions – congratulations ladies!

As well as Cheering on many different forms of sport throughout the event, the Wickersley Wonders Cheer Team will be supporting British Wheelchair Basketball!

“British Wheelchair Basketball (formerly the Great Britain Wheelchair Basketball Association) is the governing body for wheelchair basketball in the United Kingdom.”

This association is the leading organisation in regards to Wheelchair Basketball in the UK!

It is wonderful that in the sporting world we all can work together to support each other and encourage each and every individual to do their very best in whatever sport they are involved in. From Cheerleading to Wheelchair Basketball!

Don’t forget to head along for a great day!

Let’s go Wickersley Wonders!

Images courtesy of The Wickersley Wonders Cheer Team.

Exeter Cheer Festival is Fast Approaching

Are you ready for the Exeter Cheer Festival?

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Well, if you aren’t busy working hard in preparation then watch out as the event is on its way sooner than you think! On Saturday the 1st of November Cheer squads from all across the UK will descend upon the Exeter Gymnastics Club for a day of competitions!

To make sure that you can compete in the Exeter Cheer Festival you must be registered with The UK Cheerleading Association who work in conjunction with the Festival. You can register yourself and your team here.

Here at The UKCA we are especially excited about the Exeter Cheer Festival as it is the next Cheer competition before The Winter Championships in December. So come along and get ready to cheer, cheer and cheer!

The youngest Cheerer involved in the Exeter Cheer Festival will be 7 years old. Whilst the Masters teams must have 75% of their squad at the age of 25. Here at The UKCA we enjoy the atmosphere at our events when we have such a wide range of cheerers. Whether you are 8 or 18 you are welcome to come along and cheer as we love to see so much spirit!

That leads us on to The UKCA Team Spirit Award!

As some of you will already know from previous competitions this award is given to the Cheer squad with the most spirit throughout the event! This means giving your all in your performance but also supporting all of the other teams throughout the day and keeping everyone smiling! This means showcasing what we encourage here at The UKCA:

  • Honesty
  • Respect
  • Self Belief
  • Teamwork
  • Determination

Remember coaches – this means you as well! So let’s all work together to make Saturday the 1st of November at The Exeter Cheer Festival a memorable day!

If you want to come along and join in with the fun but you aren’t a cheerleader or a coach – not to worry! Spectators are always welcome at The UKCA competitions! Tickets are £10 for spectators and squads pay £20 to enter.

Don’t forget the deadline day for team registration is Monday the 29th of September! Remember to do this so you don’t miss out!

See you all there for lots of cheering, tumbling and stunting!

Let’s go UKCA!

Images courtesy of The Exeter Cheer Festival!

Vicky Howarth Featured in the Manchester Evening News

This week our very own Vicky Howarth has been featured in the Manchester Evening News!

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As you all know we have been following the personal journey of Vicky Howarth, and now so is The Manchester Evening News here.

Vicky Howarth is training to compete for Great Britain in the Rio De Janeiro Olympics in 2016. She works within the UKCA as a coach, and continually participates in all of our events including volunteering at our competitions. Read more about Vicky’s progress and what she has managed to achieve so far on the News section of our website here. By clicking the ‘older posts’ button at the bottom of an existing post you are able to look through the archives of our news, to see what else we have had to say about Vicky over the past fews months as we followed her experiences.

She has had various problems with her horses when preparing for try outs, and there have been struggles along the way but Vicky has prevailed. You can donate towards Vicky’s project here.

We have been supporting Vicky throughout this process and followed her journey closely and carefully. At The UKCA we believe it is important to support our members on their endeavours, whether they are related to The UKCA or not. However, following Victoria on her journey has been particularly special for us as she is an inspiring lady. Vicky continues to show the world that disabilities do not hinder what a person can achieve with their life.

So good luck Vicky, we can’t wait to see more from you in the future. All our support from The UKCA.

After all, cheerleading is the sport of smiles!