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British American Football Cheerleader News
ICU/IASF COMPETITIONS 2009 Report The Managers view
By John Stone
Photographs courtesy of Hannah Goulding
By John Stone
Photographs courtesy of Hannah Goulding
It is hard to believe a week has passed since I heard the magical words " Bronze goes to Team UK" for the second time. However that was just the icing on the cake at the end of a weekend where everyone in Team UK had enjoyed the results of months of hard work. Both teams gave the performances they would have dreamed of on the final day and that is all that could be asked of them.
It is easy when watching polished routines, whether it be in cheer or dance, to forget the hard slog that lies behind the performance. For hours on end, week after week, these athletes
It is easy when watching polished routines, whether it be in cheer or dance, to forget the hard slog that lies behind the performance. For hours on end, week after week, these athletes
go through the same moves to seek perfection. The Board spent 12 months negotiating a place for UKCA at these games. I am sure there were times when we both wondered whether it was worth it. That question was gloriously answered in the affirmative in 3 days in late April - it most certainly was worth it.
To be part of a new 28 nation World Cup is to write your name in Cheerleading history and the teams could easily have simply said " we were there". But they wanted to make their mark in a more significant way than that.
We knew these teams were the best in the UK - they had after all won our Nationals in 2008 to earn the invitation to represent us, success they repeated in 2009 shortly before travelling to Orlando. As the standard in all divisions rises in the UK year on year it is no exaggeration to say these were the best Cheer and Dance teams to ever leave these shores. But just as domestically we are raising the bar, so international standards are rising. It was natural for us to have concerns whether the teams could perform at this level and I am sure they had their own doubts.
To be part of a new 28 nation World Cup is to write your name in Cheerleading history and the teams could easily have simply said " we were there". But they wanted to make their mark in a more significant way than that.
We knew these teams were the best in the UK - they had after all won our Nationals in 2008 to earn the invitation to represent us, success they repeated in 2009 shortly before travelling to Orlando. As the standard in all divisions rises in the UK year on year it is no exaggeration to say these were the best Cheer and Dance teams to ever leave these shores. But just as domestically we are raising the bar, so international standards are rising. It was natural for us to have concerns whether the teams could perform at this level and I am sure they had their own doubts.
It is all very well having a great routine and being a good athlete but to succeed at this level you also require mental and physical toughness. When I saw our Dance team watching their Finnish rivals in warm up I was convinced they lacked the former. Their jaws dropped open in unison as if choreographed by Suzanne and Lindsay. But what I mistook for awe, fear even was simply sporting appreciation of another great team. As soon as the Finns glided off the mat on marched Salford's finest, dismissing what they had watched and instantly focusing on their own routine.
I will continue to embarrass Jodie Lee by recounting the sight of
I will continue to embarrass Jodie Lee by recounting the sight of
her in agony after her performance in the IASF heats. She had pulled a leg muscle with her first jump but continued to perform so as not to let her team down. A premier league footballer would have spent the next 2 and a half minutes rolling on the mat not dancing on it. A month on the treatment table - no a spray of ralgex, couple of painkillers and Jodie was there for the final next day knowing how much it would hurt. That typified the spirit, the courage that runs through this team and why they were successful.
On the final day, lying 11th, they produced their best performance to earn the right to be called onto the stage as one of the 10 best club teams in the world. A final placing of 9th even bettered their top 10 ranking in the ICU World Cup. Most importantly they knew they had earned the right to be on the same stage as the Finns, the USA and all the other top teams in the world. The closeness of the markings suggest that this team can return, strengthened by their experience and confidence, and climb even higher in the World rankings. Next time we hear "Bronze for Team UK" no one will be surprised if its in Dance.
All in all a pretty good weekends work. To represent your country in your chosen sport is a huge honour, an honour that has to be earned by skill, commitment and hard work. To know that you are part of a team that is ranked in the top 10 in the world, both at club and country level, is a fantastic achievment.
On the final day, lying 11th, they produced their best performance to earn the right to be called onto the stage as one of the 10 best club teams in the world. A final placing of 9th even bettered their top 10 ranking in the ICU World Cup. Most importantly they knew they had earned the right to be on the same stage as the Finns, the USA and all the other top teams in the world. The closeness of the markings suggest that this team can return, strengthened by their experience and confidence, and climb even higher in the World rankings. Next time we hear "Bronze for Team UK" no one will be surprised if its in Dance.
All in all a pretty good weekends work. To represent your country in your chosen sport is a huge honour, an honour that has to be earned by skill, commitment and hard work. To know that you are part of a team that is ranked in the top 10 in the world, both at club and country level, is a fantastic achievment.
Much of what I have already written applies equally to the Cheer team. Whilst hearing " Bronze for Team UK" hasn't quite replaced Ole Gunnar Solsjaer's last minute winner in the Champions League as my favourite sporting moment, it was special. There is so much to admire about this team - the strong characters who encourage and support their teammates while reviewing their performance on the monitors backstage; the coaches who even as they were winning their second bronze medal were keenly watching other teams seeking inspiration for next year's routine. My heart goes out to you girls, Carly and Rachael are going to be putting you through it for the next few months.
But my favourite story is not strictly to do with their medal winning performances. It involves their conduct backstage as they waited to perform - a tense moment for any athlete especially when competing at world level. Giving an exhibition before them were a special needs team from USA. All had conquered huge mental or physical handicaps to try cheerleading, but cannot dream of ever performing at the level our girls do. All thoughts of their own needs were forgotten as our team posed for pictures and stunted with those less fortunate to make it a special night for them. If there was a spirit of cheerleading award they would have certainly added that to their medal collection.
And what a collection it is - it is worth stressing that no previous Team UK has come close to a medal let alone won two. When I said I was hoping we might win a medal, people I respect in Cheerleading told me the only bronze I'd see in Florida would be suntanned bodies. Thanks for proving them wrong ladies.
Talking of photos brings me to respect. I am used to people saying "our girls love to meet Team UK because they are so friendly". This team was no different to its predessors in its willingness to jump into other teams' photos or invite fellow athletes into theirs. But by the end of this competition other coaches didn't want to just discuss friendliness; they wanted to tell me how much their teams had enjoyed watching and competing against Team UK. The respect both teams have earned at international level is impressive - now we know we belong at the top table in international cheerleading.
The invitation to Pat Hawkins to serve on both the ICU Executive and Judge's committees and to judge at this event also reflects UKCA's international standing.
I want to thank everyone who was a part of Team UK success, both coaches and athletes. They represented their country, our organisation and their clubs in the best possible fashion. Most of all they were a credit to themselves. They made all of us out in USA - and I hope you at home - very proud.
But my favourite story is not strictly to do with their medal winning performances. It involves their conduct backstage as they waited to perform - a tense moment for any athlete especially when competing at world level. Giving an exhibition before them were a special needs team from USA. All had conquered huge mental or physical handicaps to try cheerleading, but cannot dream of ever performing at the level our girls do. All thoughts of their own needs were forgotten as our team posed for pictures and stunted with those less fortunate to make it a special night for them. If there was a spirit of cheerleading award they would have certainly added that to their medal collection.
And what a collection it is - it is worth stressing that no previous Team UK has come close to a medal let alone won two. When I said I was hoping we might win a medal, people I respect in Cheerleading told me the only bronze I'd see in Florida would be suntanned bodies. Thanks for proving them wrong ladies.
Talking of photos brings me to respect. I am used to people saying "our girls love to meet Team UK because they are so friendly". This team was no different to its predessors in its willingness to jump into other teams' photos or invite fellow athletes into theirs. But by the end of this competition other coaches didn't want to just discuss friendliness; they wanted to tell me how much their teams had enjoyed watching and competing against Team UK. The respect both teams have earned at international level is impressive - now we know we belong at the top table in international cheerleading.
The invitation to Pat Hawkins to serve on both the ICU Executive and Judge's committees and to judge at this event also reflects UKCA's international standing.
I want to thank everyone who was a part of Team UK success, both coaches and athletes. They represented their country, our organisation and their clubs in the best possible fashion. Most of all they were a credit to themselves. They made all of us out in USA - and I hope you at home - very proud.
Revettes Now At Full Throttle
The Revettes cheerleading squad was formed in the summer of 2007 by Toni Branagh who had previously cheered for her university football team, for two seasons, both sideline and at competition level. Three seasons on and the Revettes are still going and having a lot of fun.
The squad have gone from strength to strength and have brand new kits, a sponsor and a team of enthusiastic girls who love what they do! They cheer for the Revolution on game days as well as putting on half time dances, made up of dance, gymnastics and stunting. Although the Revolution will always come first, they also perform at outside events.
The squad is currently made up of Toni, the Head Coach, Sophie, the newly appointed Captain, Charlotte, who has just made Vice-Captain, Alix, Lucy, Kayleigh and Hannah. However, with the squad becoming more popular and interest in cheerleading soaring, it is anticipated that the squad will have doubled in size by the end of the year!
Although based in Telford, The Revettes travel from all over to attend training which is currently held at Telford Hornets Rugby Club in Dawley at 6:30 every Thursday.
The squad have gone from strength to strength and have brand new kits, a sponsor and a team of enthusiastic girls who love what they do! They cheer for the Revolution on game days as well as putting on half time dances, made up of dance, gymnastics and stunting. Although the Revolution will always come first, they also perform at outside events.
The squad is currently made up of Toni, the Head Coach, Sophie, the newly appointed Captain, Charlotte, who has just made Vice-Captain, Alix, Lucy, Kayleigh and Hannah. However, with the squad becoming more popular and interest in cheerleading soaring, it is anticipated that the squad will have doubled in size by the end of the year!
Although based in Telford, The Revettes travel from all over to attend training which is currently held at Telford Hornets Rugby Club in Dawley at 6:30 every Thursday.
Name: Charlotte
Nickname: Jonezy
Age: 15
Position within squad: Vice-captain
How long have you been cheerleading? 1 year
Why did you decide to become a cheerleader? Because I’ve always liked the look of it, so when I saw the Revettes at a match i wanted to join!
What’s the best thing about being a Revette? It’s great! It’s fun, everyone is really nice, the coach is brilliant and it’s different from the dancing I usually do.
Name: Hannah
Nickname: Hanzie
Age: 17
Position within the squad: Kit manager
How long have you been cheerleading? 1 year
Why did you decide to become a cheerleader? Because I enjoy dancing and gymnastics and it combines the two
What’s the best thing about being a Revette? We do different types of dancing, performing and gymnastics.
Name: Kayleigh
Nickname: Kaycee
Age: 20
How long have you been cheerleading? 4 months
Why did you decide to become a cheerleader? Because it’s a fun way to keep fit
What’s the best thing about being a Revette? Meeting new people and socialising
Name: Lucy
Age: 17
How long have you been cheerleading? 4 months
Why did you decide to become a cheerleader? Because I like to dance
What’s the best thing about being a Revette? It’s a really friendly squad
Name: Sophie
Nickname: Princess
Age: 14
Position within squad: Captain
How long have you been cheerleading? 1 year
Why did you decide to become a cheerleader? It’s different from anything I’ve done before and I love all the dancing and the kit!
What’s the best thing about being a Revette? The coach is great and we all get on really well!
Name: Toni
Nickname: Baby Branagh
Age: 21
Position within squad: Head Coach
How long have you been cheerleading? 3 years
Why did you decide to become a cheerleader? I’ve danced since I was small and wanted to try something different, but when I started the Revettes it was because I wanted to be part of a squad that has a lot of fun!
What’s the best thing about being a Revette? The girls, they’re all lovely and everybody gets on brilliantly and there’s never a dull moment at training! I also love teaching and seeing how they’ve all improved.
Nickname: Jonezy
Age: 15
Position within squad: Vice-captain
How long have you been cheerleading? 1 year
Why did you decide to become a cheerleader? Because I’ve always liked the look of it, so when I saw the Revettes at a match i wanted to join!
What’s the best thing about being a Revette? It’s great! It’s fun, everyone is really nice, the coach is brilliant and it’s different from the dancing I usually do.
Name: Hannah
Nickname: Hanzie
Age: 17
Position within the squad: Kit manager
How long have you been cheerleading? 1 year
Why did you decide to become a cheerleader? Because I enjoy dancing and gymnastics and it combines the two
What’s the best thing about being a Revette? We do different types of dancing, performing and gymnastics.
Name: Kayleigh
Nickname: Kaycee
Age: 20
How long have you been cheerleading? 4 months
Why did you decide to become a cheerleader? Because it’s a fun way to keep fit
What’s the best thing about being a Revette? Meeting new people and socialising
Name: Lucy
Age: 17
How long have you been cheerleading? 4 months
Why did you decide to become a cheerleader? Because I like to dance
What’s the best thing about being a Revette? It’s a really friendly squad
Name: Sophie
Nickname: Princess
Age: 14
Position within squad: Captain
How long have you been cheerleading? 1 year
Why did you decide to become a cheerleader? It’s different from anything I’ve done before and I love all the dancing and the kit!
What’s the best thing about being a Revette? The coach is great and we all get on really well!
Name: Toni
Nickname: Baby Branagh
Age: 21
Position within squad: Head Coach
How long have you been cheerleading? 3 years
Why did you decide to become a cheerleader? I’ve danced since I was small and wanted to try something different, but when I started the Revettes it was because I wanted to be part of a squad that has a lot of fun!
What’s the best thing about being a Revette? The girls, they’re all lovely and everybody gets on brilliantly and there’s never a dull moment at training! I also love teaching and seeing how they’ve all improved.
If you are interested in joining the squad or would like the squad to attend an outside event please contact Toni at tonibranagh@hotmail.co.uk
Cheerleader Profiles- The Revettes
Cheerleader Profiles- The Revettes