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Celtics Triumph at Future Cheer

The 16th of February 2008 saw the Leeds Celtics take to the Future Cheer competition floor as a whole squad for the first time in history. Thirty seven Celtics competed in six divisions throughout the day at the regional Heart of England/Saturday Night Fever Competitions.

Since starting their 2007-2008 season in October, this was the Celtic’s second competition. With athletes entering all girl level 5 and co-ed level 6 group stunt divisions, four partner stunts entering level 5 and 6 divisions, and two team entries in All-Girl university/open level 5 and Co-Ed university/open level 6, the Leeds based squad proudly represented the Celtic name on the competition floor.

Celtic Coach, Rachel Pearson said, “We all worked so hard for this, and I am delighted that our efforts were recognised. I had so many positive comments from other teams yesterday about how much the team has improved.”

After a full day of routines, the awards were announced. The Celtics took home four first place trophies for University/Open All-Girl Level 5, All-Girl Open Stunt Group Level 5, Mike and Rachel Partner Stunt level 6 and Co-Ed Open Stunt Group level 6. Two 2nd place trophies for University/Open Co-Ed 6 and Tim and Sarah Partner Stunt 5. They were also proud of James and Laura, Sophie and Jen who both entered Partner Stunt 5, placing 4th and 6th respectively.

Marie Salvatore, Celtic Athlete said, “After the results were announced and our hard work had paid off, some of the girls from our biggest competitor squad came to congratulate us and that made me realise what an impression we had made and I at that moment can honestly say I've never been prouder to be a Celtic.”

This weekend was a tremendous accomplishment for the Celtics, seeing their Co-Ed Group Stunt defending their title for the 16th time in a row, their All-Girl team were favourites to win the Grand Champion title and their Co-Ed team displaying complex and inspiring stunts and pyramids previously unseen in the UK, securing their consistent ranking as some of Britain’s best cheerleaders.

Celtic Athlete, Becky Hughes remarked, “Seeing the excitement from my old team, the Lincoln Jets, watching made me realise how much impact the Celtics have when performing. When we heard Leeds as the number one champions, it was a mixture of shock and excitement. We did what we came to do and made the team proud, securing our well deserved place as the Champions!”

Lauren Fitzgerald, from the Reading University Cheerleaders, 'I always look forward to watching the Celtics at competitions. Their routines are innovative, creative and display UK University cheerleading at its best.'

Helen Wigham, Celtic Athlete said, “Hearing shouts from people other than the Celtics made me realise just how far we’ve come. I had so many people looking at my Celtics uniform, smiling and saying well done. The moment when we were all holding hands waiting for 2nd place to be announced made me realise how strong our team can be, and it made me so so proud to be a part of it.”

For more information, please contact leeds_uni_cheerleaders@hotmail.com or visit www.celticcheer.co.uk

To view photos click on the links below
Photo Gallery 1
Photo Gallery 2

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What Leeds Celtics are really about...video Steph Lim, music Allie Snape.

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Celtic's on BBC Radio Leeds

Saturday 9th February saw Rachel Pearson, Sophie Ibbotson and Tim Peffers (or Peefers!) take to the airwaves. At 11:40 BBC Radio Leeds DJ Graham Liver interviewed the cheerleaders covering topics from who the Celtics are, what cheerleading is and what we hope to achieve in the future.

The intention of the interview was to create a wider awareness for cheerleading as a sport. Because cheerleading is not classed as a performing art or a sport it is almost impossible to secure sponsorship from companies who believe that we, in the words of Graham Liver, dance around with “pom poms and wear short skirts.”

The Celtics were asked if they knew any chants (in true stereotypical fashion) but considering the style of cheerleading they practice, namely stunts and gymnastics, the producers decided not to record and broadcast a chant but instead concentrate on the team’s ambitions to compete abroad in May.

The interview can be heard on the Listen Again section at http://www.bbc.co.uk/leeds/local_radio/

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Leeds Celtic Cheerleaders Race for Life

Race for Life is Cancer Research UK’s flagship event that has grown to become the UK’s largest women-only fundraising event.

Find out more about Race for Life and who takes part.

In 2007 Race for Life brought together 665,000 women to walk, jog or run 5k to raise £40 million pounds for Cancer Research UK – the world’s leading independent organisation dedicated to cancer research.

The Celtics are proud to be representing the squad in their community, taking part in Temple Newsam starting at 10:30am and are hoping to contribute towards the fundraising target of £247000.

To contribute to the Celtic's fundraising target you can donate online or for more information or to communicate with the girls taking part visit our Facebook group

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Celtic Blog

The Celtic Blog: Celtic Lovelies was launched today, 21st January as we thought it was high time the Celtics themselves had a chance to talk and discuss cheerleading - what else?!

Fancy getting your say? Join us now at http://celticcheer.blogspot.com//

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