Locals shine at the UKCA British Cheerleading Championships

LOCAL cheerleading squads the Riada Rockets and the Moyle Kestrels have returned from a successful outing at the recent UKCA British Cheerleading Championships.

Over 4,500 competitiors from all over the UK descended on the Manchester Velodrome to show off their routines. And under the guidance of coach Karen Graham the local troupes had plenty to cheer about.

The Riada Rockets Seniors put on a fantastic display finishing third overall. The Junior B's secured a fifth place finish out of 13 squads and the Moyle Kestrels Junior B's grabbed fourth place much to the delight of their coach.

"All the girls were fantastic and I'm very proud of them," Karen told Times Sport. "The competition was a very high standard and the girls more than held their own, which is fantastic considering that they have only been going for 12 months.

"Both squads have won Northern Ireland titles and it won't be long before they add British titles to their list of achievements."

Karen also revealed that the squads have some big engagements coming up over the next two months.

"On June 26 we will be taking part in a pre-olympic festival and on July 4 we have been asked to participate in the first ever Northern Ireland display for American Independance Day. It's being held at Lurgan Park and it looks like being a very memorable day with lots of events happening throughout the day," Karen added.

The club will be taking in new members in September. The training times are as follows:

The Riada Rockets at the Joey Dunlop centre - Wednesday 6pm - 7.30pm Junior B (ages 12 - 15); 7.30pm - 9pm Seniors (16 - 30).

Thursday 5.15pm - 6pm Teenies (5-7); 6pm - 7.15pm Junior A (8-11).

Moyle Kestrels at the Sheskburn Recreation Centre, Ballycastle - Tuesday 5pm-6pm Teenies (5-7); 6pm - 7.15pm Junior A and B (8 - 15); 7.15pm - 8.45pm Seniors (16 - 30).