Toby Brewer: proving the cheerleading stereotype wrong

Hi guys this week we had some great positive press latest article featuring Toby Brewer  and member of  predator athletics and Unity Black.  This article focuses on changing the perception on people assume cheerleading is.  The article was published by The Bristol post written  by Rachel Gardner on Friday, October 04, 2013

Check it out below

“CHEERLEADING normally conjures up images of exuberant all-American teenagers with fake tans and short skirts. But a former rugby player from Fishponds is changing that perception.

Toby Brewer, 19, has been chosen to compete at the International Cheer Union World Cheerleading Championships in Florida, USA, in April.

Toby Brewer

He is the youngest male athlete from Bristol to compete in cheerleading at Level 6 – the top of the ladder.

Toby has been cheering for five years, having played rugby until the age of 14 for Bristol side Dings Crusaders.

It was when he took part in a school production, at Bristol Metropolitan Academy, that involved some dancing that he realised he could enjoy cheerleading. He flourished and in July was encouraged to try out for the UK’s national cheerleading squad by Becky Hopton, head coach of his Bristol team Predator Athletics.

And having made it into the 2013-2014 national squad of 34 of the UK’s best cheerleaders, Toby was chosen for their world-championships team of 24.

Shop assistant Toby, who lives in Selbrook Crescent, said: “I would have never made it this far had it not have been for the coaching and guidance I have received at Predator Athletics. Becky really pushed me last season and I went from being unable to do basic partner stunts to being capable of elite stunting in a season. It is my dream to compete at cheerleading on the world stage. I cannot quite believe it is going to be a realisation this season.”

Toby can complete many complicated stunts that require a lot of strength – including lifting a woman above his head with just one hand, and being able to hold her above his head while she is doing a handstand.

He said: “I train three times a week, and go to the gym the same amount. I do weights and general cardio to improve my stamina. I enjoyed playing rugby but it was not something I had a passion for. Cheerleading was something I was good at straight away and I loved it immediately. Once boys watch it, they realise it is a great team sport.”

Ms Hopton told the Bristol Post: “We are so excited for Toby to compete internationally. It has always been my ambition as a coach to get my athletes to the world championships and we wish him all the best.”

published by The Bristol post written  by Rachel Gardner on Friday, October 04, 2013

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