Hartlepool cheerleaders reach for the skies at world championships in Florida
Dozens of talented cheerleaders are jetting off to Florida later this year in the hopes of being crowned world champions.
Thirty-four members of Hartlepool Hawks Cheerleading Academy, in Moreland Street, Hartlepool, are travelling to America in April to compete in the Allstar World Championships.
The world’s largest cheerleading and dance competition sees teams from across the globe compete in their individual countries to get to the finals.
Founder and coach Becci Taylor is taking six teams to the competition, with the ages of cheerleaders ranging from eight to 30.
She said: "It’s very exciting. We have never taken so many before.
"We’re taking six teams which is a bit daunting and we have teams for each age group too.”
The cheerleaders began their training back in September and get together weekly.
Becci said: “They train in teams weekly but there are other training opportunities available in separate lessons.
"They’re doing really well despite only training once a week.”
Last year, a group of 16 cheerleaders travelled to Florida to compete in the same competition, bringing home silver medals.
Speaking about her team members, Becci said: "I am really proud of them. It’s going to be an amazing experience and I love that I am able to give this opportunity to so many people.
"Some of my kids would have never got the chance to otherwise.
"I have taken so many kids on a plane for the first time. It’s emotional, getting to see them go on holiday for the first time.”
Hartlepool Hawks Cheerleading Academy is also putting on a showcase next month at the Hartlepool Town Hall Theatre, in Raby Road, where its members will perform their world championships routines.
They will be performing on Friday, March 13, and Saturday, March 14, with proceeds going towards the cost of their Florida trip.
Tickets cost £14 and can be bought by going online to https://www.culturehartlepool.com/events/sugar-rush/.
Anyone wishing to sponsor Hartlepool Hawks Cheerleading Academy or wanting to make a donation to help the club’s cheerleaders get to Florida can do so by emailing [email protected] or by calling Beccii on 07968 175673.