When I first heard about the cheerleading squad starting at City, I, along with three close friends, thought that it could be fun and a great way to exercise.   We were right.   However, after the first session we realised how much hard work was actually involved in cheerleading and the dedication necessary from every member to make the team a success.

In cheerleading we learn three different skills and include them in our performances.   The first of these is dance. As I’d been a dancer in the past I went into the squad with knowledge about timing and different moves but there were many members who had no past experience.   However, as a team we worked together and can now perform fast, complicated routines.   The second element is stunting, which involves a huge amount of strength to get the flyer into the air; it is incredibly rewarding to get the flyer successfully into the correct position.  The third skill is tumbling, the part of cheerleading which I enjoy most.  Our gymnastics coach pushes every member of the squad to perform their best and we are always learning new skills.

Not only does cheerleading mean different years can integrate, it is great exercise and lots of fun.   It’s not easy and we work hard, but what we achieve means that it is all worth it.

Harriet, Year 11