Cheerleaders blaze European glory trail

CHEERDLEADERS were transformed into European champions after a generous local charity chipped in to get them to a prestigious overseas event.

The Wickersley-based Trailblazer Allstars cheerleading team returned from Zadar, Croatia, with three gold medals after representing the UK at the European Cheerleading Championships.

They somersaulted and tumbled their way to success after an £860 contribution from the Bramley and Wickersley Lions funded a minibus to get the 19-strong team to the airport.

After the event, team founder Gina Williams took to Facebook to congratulate her cheerleaders.

She said: “I could not be prouder of these amazing athletes, they have been an absolute pleasure to spend time with.

“They are professional, hard working and really are true friends who love each other unconditionally.

“The bond between this team has become even stronger and I am honoured to coach them.

“Thank you to everyone who helped make this amazing trip happen. We can’t even begin to tell you how much we appreciate it and we hope we have done you proud.”

In March, the Trailblazer Allstars secured their place at the ECC event with a string of class victories at the UK Cheerleading Association’s National Finals at the Manchester Velodrome.

A trio of teams returned home as national champions and Gina (22), a social games organiser at Wickersley Comprehensive, said that the team’s performance was testament to the way in which the sport has been embraced in Rotherham.

She said: “I started the Trailblazer Allstars in 2011 and there were nine members trying to make the most of the space in a village hall. Now we have 73 members and a waiting list of people to get involved.”

Anyone interested in getting involved with cheerleading should contact Gina via email to [email protected] or by phone on 07748 242264.