Ascension Eagles make history at Wembley

Ascension Eagles were proud to perform at the first FA Cup at the new Wembley Stadium. 

They got their preview of the new Wembley on May 18th, during their day-long rehearsals.

Ascension Eagle Kaydia Linton, 15, Custom House shares her first impressions, “I couldn’t get over how big the stadium is; it is so impressive.  Then when we went out for rehearsal, the grass was so perfect!  I felt so proud to be hand-picked as the first British cheerleaders to perform at Wembley.  It was a real privilege.”

On the big day, Ascension Eagles left Custom house at 7am, to get through Wembley security and report for their scheduled call time.  Then they had a long wait in their dressing rooms until they were called for pre-game.

Charlotte Tebb, 12, Canning Town, said, “I was shaking when it was time to go on, feeling excited and scared at the same time.  It’s the biggest stadium I’ve ever seen.  As we were getting ready to walk out, I could see thousands of people looking at us, and then they started cheering as we came on.  I will always be proud that I was one of the first people to tread on the grass at Wembley!”

It was a busy week for Ascension’s Head Coach, Angela Brown who returned from floor managing the UEFA Cup in Scotland on Thursday, before leading Ascension in their rehearsals at Wembley on Friday.  Angela said, "It was incredible for the Ascension Eagles to be part of this history-making FA Cup at the new Wembley Arena.  They were so professional and well-behaved; they impressed all those around them and represented us with excellence.  We are very proud of them!"

Ascension Eagles cheerleader Holly Gerard, 16, Custom House, said, "It was such a privilege to be on the pitch with Prince William and all the Chelsea and Man U players.  As we were part of the opening crest routine, we were lucky enough to be on throughout all of the pre-game.  What a phenomenal experience!"

Daisy Scott, 17, Custom House, agreed, "Wembley was amazing!  90,000 people paid big prices just to get a glimpse of football at this incredible new venue.  I can't believe we actually got to be part of the crest reveals on the pitch at this monumental event.  It's certainly one for the record books!"

AEC member Tovonya Raybe, 17, Beckton, reflected, "Some of us were in Scotland last weekend, then the FA Cup at Wembley this weekend, then Germany for the European Championships next weekend, with a photoshoot for a new magazine the weekend following -- Ascension Eagles are always on an action-packed adventure!  What a great way to live life!"

Ascension Eagles is a charitable organization that uses cheerleading to make a transformational difference in the lives of their members, aged 7-21 years old.  Over the past decade they have entertained 200 million people and have won nearly 300 trophies.  AEC Director Shara Brice said, "Ascension Eagles are East End youth who come together to achieve amazing things.  Their professionalism and determination demonstrate that they can achieve record-breaking, history-making results -- all they need is an opportunity."