A NEW cheerleading club is hoping to be strutting their stuff in Croatia after scooping prizes in the UK.

Elite Cheer United (ECU) earned the right following an award-winning performance at the UK Cheerleading Association Winter Championship competition.

They secured three first place trophies, a second place, third place and seventh place.

The result is even more impressive given the group was only established a year and a half ago, but has seen its members soar from 12 to about 100.

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ECU head coach Kizzy Burt said: “They have improved so much over the past year and stepped up so much to get to first place now, especially as they are competing against people who have been doing it for years.”

The Bicester club entered 30 cheerleaders ranging from age five to 18 to compete at the Manchester Velodrome earlier this month. They included club groups Tiny Tinnies, Tinnies, Juniors and Seniors performing routines such as whole team and group stunts. It also included their first Junior partner stunt team, which gained a third place in their category.

After the impressive placings in all six events, the high-flyers have secured their place at the National Championships in March, and the chance to compete for a place at the European Championships in Croatia next year.

Miss Burt, 31, said: “I could not do what they do.

“I just coach.

“They have done really really well beating teams that they have been looking up to.”

The mother of two taught dance classes and trained in cheerleading before setting up the club a year and a half ago.

The club includes both competitive and recreational groups aging from two to 45.

Elite Cheer United trains at Bicester Rugby Club with sessions varying from one hour a week to the competitive three sessions a week including stunt training, tumbling training, dance and body conditioning.

Miss Burt added: “They are a family. I know everyone says that but they really are.

“I always get comments from parents saying how their child has been welcomed with open arms. Their team spirit is out of this world.”

 

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