New Ascension Eagles spread their wings

Ascension Eagles Cheerleaders (AEC) travelled to Crystal Palace Sports Centre on 4th December to compete at Future Cheer Winter Wonderland Regional Championships.

AEC hold their annual auditions every September, and then work intensively to prepare their new teams. This season, 28 of the 53 athletes representing Ascension Eagles at Regionals were competing either for the very first time, or were transitioning to a higher age division.

Ascension Eagles Mini Coed (aged 7 to 9) and Ascension Eagles Cheer Extreme (aged 9 to 12) train twice weekly at Talent Central, London's premiere cheer gym, based at Gallions Reach Shopping Park.

Despite their youthfulness and novice status, both Ascension Eagles teams won first place in their divisions.

AEC Mini Coed coach Philippa Raybe said, "As a coach I was nervous for them before they competed because I wanted them to do really well. I knew how hard they had worked, and what they deserved, but I also knew they had to do this by themselves. They totally pulled it off and were even better than we've ever seen them in training. I was very proud of how they performed and even more proud of the place they got - Champions, just 12 weeks into the season."

Cheer Extreme coach Mel Brown said, "It was amazing to see the progress that the team has made since September, particularly the brand new members. I felt so proud of my kids as they represented AEC with excellence and raised the bar for youth cheerleading. I look forward to seeing how much more they progress throughout the season."

Ascension Eagles Juniors and Seniors will compete in February. The whole AEC family will travel to the ICC British Open, to be held at the NEC in March. Although AEC Seniors cannot afford to compete at Worlds 2011 in April, they are working hard to win bids for Worlds 2012.

Celebrating their 15th season this year, Ascension Eagles have opened London's premiere cheer gym, Talent Central, at Gallions Reach Shopping Park. The 6000 square feet venue sports a full spring floor, mirrored walls and offers a range of community cheer, dance, tumbling classes and open gym sessions. For more information, please visit www.talentcentral.org