UEL Sirens are set to compete in their first and only competition of the 2018/19 season this Sunday.
They’re preparing to make the trip over to Essex to take part in the Future Cheer: Spotlight Showdown cheer competition.
Overcoming Obstacles
The road to Spotlight Showdown hasn’t been easy for the Sirens after being plagued by funding issues, as well as several members vacating the team, resulting in the routine being changed numerous times to manage the absences.
The Sirens were initially set to compete in Legacy Cheer and Dance in February, however due to the routine not being complete in time – the Sirens decided to forgo the competition.
The BCA Cheer & Dance – University Nationals this month was also on the competition calendar for the 2018/19 season, but costly travel fees led to the decision to skip the event and focus solely on Spotlight Showdown.
Various socials were organised by members of the team to help fund the Spotlight Showdown competition and cut the cost of uniforms.
The Competition
The Crowne Plaza Hotel Resort will set the backdrop for Spotlight Showdown where the Sirens will compete against several universities from across the country at the equivalent standard of Level 1 cheerleading.
Level 1 cheerleading consists of tumbling skills, such as forward/backward roll, cartwheels, intricate stunts and a dance routine.
Speaking exclusively to Rising East, UEL Sirens captain, Chloe Linham expressed her hopes of the team gaining understanding of the competitive aspect of cheerleading, stating:
“I’m hoping that the competition let’s everyone experience the competitive side of cheerleading in a friendly and enjoyable way.”
Positive Finish?
The East Londoners are at an advantage this year, with various players from either a gymnastics or cheerleading background. The Sirens hoping to use this to their benefit by adding complex stunts into the routine to gain further points.
Numerous Sirens members who have had no cheerleading experience prior to joining the team have seen vast improvement with the guidance of cheer coach, Robert ‘Rob’ Horton.
Horton, who has 17 year’s experience in the industry and coaches several teams, such as Newham-based side, Ascension Eagles has been supporting the team since early October in preparation for the competition.
This is the first time the East Londoners are competing in a year after last year’s competitions fell through due participants leaving mid-way through the 2017/18 season.
This time around, the Sirens are optimistic of their chances to secure a top 3 spot and beat their personal best of 4th place.
