It was a day which had been on many family calendars for months. It finally arrived, and what an amazing day it was for Eden Valley Cheerleading Academy and Ullswater Community College Wolves.
Eden Valley Cheerleading Academy is a club, based in Penrith, which was launched in April 2021.
Head coach Karen Castle wanted to make the sport of cheerleading available to all age groups in the Eden Valley area to help more children become
active.
After months of training, the EVC Sapphires — aged four to 18 — performed in the UK Cheerleading Association Winter Championships at the National Basketball Arena in Manchester against teams from across the country.
The Sapphires joined with Ullswater Community College cheerleading team, the Wolves, who had trained for two years for the schools’ competition which usually happens in June each year, but had been postponed due to COVID restrictions.
So, for both squads this was their first ever experience at competing in cheerleading at club level.
Together, the Sapphires and the Wolves cheered, tumbled, flew and supported one another through a jam-packed day of cheerleading.
The parents of many of the cheerleaders also went along to make it a day to remember.
For many of the youngsters, it was the first time they had ever performed, let alone to an audience of 2,000 people.
A spokeswoman said: “All four teams were amazing, with the EVC minis (aged five to seven) placing third overall, EVC juniors (aged eight to12) placing fifth, and both the EVC Sapphires and the UCC Wolves winning first place in their respective categories.
To add to this fantastic haul of trophies and medals, the Sapphires were also awarded the prestigious Spirit Award, which is a trophy given to the team and supporters who show the greatest level of support for everyone taking part in the competition; and for excellent sportsmanship, teamwork and cheer spirit.
Anybody who would like more information on Eden Valley Cheerleading Academy or UCC Wolves should email edenvalleycheer@gmail.com
