Empire Elite Cheerleading Club in Spalding celebrate latest achievement following trip to America

A group of talented youngsters have experienced a ‘once in a lifetime’ opportunity, after competing in an American cheerleading tournament.

Fifteen lucky girls from Empire Elite AllStars club in Spalding, travelled to Orlando in Florida at the end of April, to represent the UK in the Prep Grand Nationals Championship.

Following months of preparation and hard work, the level one ‘Rebels’ team – which is made up of youngsters aged seven to nine years old – came fourth place.

Head cheerleading coach, Nikita Capes said: “Its been a great experience for the team and they have all learnt lots of transferable skills which they can take into school and other aspects of their life.

“I am incredibly proud and, for some of them, it was a once in a lifetime opportunity.

“Travelling to the capital of cheer, where the standards and expectations are incredibly high and securing fourth place is excellent – the competition was hard.”

The club secured a bid for the championship after coming first place in their division at a competition in Coventry last year.

In preparation for the event, Empire Elite AllStars raised money to fund the £21,000 trip through various events and held lots of training sessions to match the high standards in America.

Nikita added: “The girls coped really well with the pressure. We made sure to get a sports psychologist in to prepare them for the event beforehand as we didn’t want them to get out there and struggle.

“There were no expectations of the girls, we just wanted them to go out their and have fun – which is why they do cheerleading anyway.

“It was a lovely moment to see them compete.

“Whilst they were there the girls did a couple of training sessions in American gyms which was a great experience for them.

“They were surrounded by senior world teams which they absolutely loved.”

Empire Elite AllStars will return in August for the new team tryouts.

For more information or to contact the club, visit their website www.empireeliteallstars.co.uk.