ATHLETES from a Finglas based cheerleading squad have had their first taste of international success – and they’re hoping the local business community will back them in their quest for more glory.
The Strike Force squad, which now has over 90 members in six competitive teams, has for the past five years taken home gold at every Irish based competition they have ever competed in.
But internationally the stakes are higher, as many foreign teams have better access to funding, training and facilities than the Northside squad.
However, this didn’t hold back the Strike Force team that competed in the recent Jamfest European Championships in Liverpool.
The Finglas group had four cheer teams competing and they beat a combined total of 18 teams during the championships, each securing a top five placing in the all star European rankings.
Stars of the tournament were Strike Force’s Evolution team who managed an amazing 1st place, winning the European title and a bid to compete against the best in America at the US Finals.
The team also recorded one of the highest scores in the championships.
Strike Force members are trained in the WFTRA Centre, Finglas West, by Coach Hayden McGurk. Each team consists of 16-30 members who are trained in all-star cheerleading.
The athletes train at least three times a week in several skill disciplines such as tumbling, acrobatics, jump skills and dance and this is on top of all the cardio work and conditioning they are required to do.
All the skills are combined in a highly energetic routine to try and beat other teams with the best choreography, cleanest performance and the highest difficulty in skills.
And if you need any more convincing of the merit of the sport, the International Cheer Union, based in Memphis, Tennessee, has just been officially ratified as a member of SportAccord, the international sports federation.
“Cheerleading is a 21st century sport that is accessible by all,
? believes coach McGurk.
“Males and females can compete on the same team and there are different skills involved, which means coaches can utilise different strengths from individual athletes throughout.
“It is a very social sport, that promotes team work, a strong work ethic and commitment and it’s a sport that just
‘wows’ people continuously.
?
The Strike Force team are now celebrating their fifth anniversary and started last season off with a clean sweep of Grand Champion awards at the Irish Nationals.
The Euphoria team represented Ireland at the World Championships in Florida and ranked 16th globally, and now they hold a top European title. Next stop is Galway for the 21st Century Cheer International Championships in November.
Strike Force receives very little support from sponsors and is constantly trying to raise money for new equipment to enhance the skill level of all athletes.
?¢ If you’re interested in investing in local athletes get in touch with Coach Hayden on hayden@cheerdublin.com.