Cheerleading academy is appealing for more space in Grantham as popularity soars

A cheerleading coach is appealing for larger premises to hold her classes after demand for places has soared in the last two years.

Head coach, and co-founder, Amanda Zenou-Phillips set up Lincolnshire Cheerleading Academy, (LCA) in 2016, after moving to Grantham from Tenerife.

Before returning to the UK, Amanda owned a successful dance school in Tenrife, which had its very own cheerleading squad, Tenerife Tigers.

But despite its success, the mum, who is originally from Stallingborough, North East Lincolnshire, was keen for her daughter Ebony, now 18, to pursue her dance career in the UK and decided to return in 2015.

After looking around a few potential locations, they decided to settle in Grantham after being impressed with some of the local schools.

It was not all plain sailing though.

Amanda, who has two other grown-up children living in the UK, said: “It was a life changing move for both of us. England has changed so much since I’d last lived here more than 25 years ago. I struggled to settle at first as I had no family or friends around me and I missed my Tenerife Tigers.”

But determined to make a new life for herself and Ebony, Amanda designed leaflets for the new cheerleading academy, which she then distributed to schools to hand out.

She set up in April 2016 from a room in Grantham Museum.

They have since rented out spaces in Oceans gym and the Prince William of Gloucester Barracks before moving to their very own gym in Limesquare Business Park, Alma Park Road, which comes complete with a sprung floor, last August.

Twenty five members from schools across Grantham and the surrounding areas joined the first class at the museum in 2016. They now have over 100 members aged between three and 32, who have competed in some of the most elite cheerleading championship competitions.

The senior team returned from Barcelona last year with four trophies, after competing in a cheerleading event at the Arnold Classic.

After registering, each member is assigned to either a competing team or recreational team which is age and level appropriate.

They also also offer solos/duets in cheer and dance for those who have more elite skills.

But as September marks the beginning of a new season, Amanda is concerned that the lack of space is holding them back.

She said: “We currently only have enough space for four panels for the members to practice on. They have to perform on nine panels at competition. We are sometimes able to place more panels outside the gym but this is very much weather dependent.

“We often find ourselves having to travel further afield to practice in the run up to competitions.”

As well as giving many of the youngsters the opportunity to learn a skill that they might not have had the chance to before, Amanda believes that cheerleading has other benefits too.

She said: “ Our members live and breathe the sport. It is not only really enjoyable for them but boosts their confidence and helps them to work as a team.

“It also teaches them discipline as they have to pay attention during the classes, as stunts can be dangerous. Many of the parents have said how their children have excelled in school as a result.”

Amanda continues to have high hopes for the future, of the academy adding: “We are going to be branching out into dance as well. Our tiny division, aged 4-6, won most of their dance competitions after learning a routine in just three months. It is the same with all our divisions. I would also like to enter our more elite teams into more competitions at a higher level.”

As well as working with the members she already has, Amanda is also keen to work more with the special athlete division, which includes children with ADHD, Downs Syndrome, Autism and behavioural problems.

She said: “My son has got ADHD so I know firsthand how difficult it can be for parents to find a club that their child feels comfortable to attend.

“Both the child and their parents can often feel isolated and don’t socialise. I want to change this.”

Despite initially feeling homesick for Tenerife, Amanda is now feeling settled in Grantham thanks to the support she has received from the academy members and their families. She added: “They are my Falcon family.”

Two training sessions of almost two hours per session, twice a week costs £25 per month. For details, email Amanda at lambert.amanda9@gmail.com or search for ‘Lincolnshire Cheerleading Academy’ on Facebook.