HI Leeds Celtics
HI CFHTT
Tell us about Leeds Celtic cheer history.
Leeds Celtics is one of the University of Leeds’ most accomplished sports clubs that boasts over 10 years of award-winning seasons. Cheerleading is one of the fastest growing sports in the UK and we’re proud to have already made our mark as the most successful University cheerleading programme in the country.
How many teams do you have and what does each team do?
We have 1 Match Team, 1 competitive Pom Dance Team and 3 Competitive Cheer Teams. Our Match Team support the University American Football and Basketball Teams, whilst all our Competitive teams train hard for their competitions throughout the season.
How many hours a week do you train?
Match = 2 hours a week
Pom – 2 hours a week
Level 1/2 = 3 hours a week
Level 3 = 4 hours a week.
We regularly train extra hours closer to the competitions.
What was your biggest achievement last season?
Last year was one of our most successful seasons with our Level 1 team placing 1st at Future Cheer University Nationals. Pom had a dramatic improvement and went from 9th place in their first competition of the season to an impressive 2nd place for the final two competitions. Level 3 were crowned National University Champions at Legacy Dream Extreme and finally a Leeds Celtics clean sweep with all our cheer teams placing 1st at Circus Spectacular, including Grand Champions for our level 3 team.
How do you decide what competition you are going to attend?
Each year our Captain and Secretary take time researching the competitions. Dates, venue and competition has a big influence on the decision.
Your team is part of the AV family, how did that come about?
The amazing Aviator Allstars are Leeds Alumni and the founders of Leeds Celtics Cheerleaders. They have coached the team from the very start, and continue to do so.
What was your favourite cheerleading competition of the past season?
All the competitions last season were incredible, but Future Cheer University Nationals stood out the most! Across the two day competition held at Genting Arena in Birmingham, there was an incredible atmosphere, and as it was our first competition, team spirit was very high!!
What are your goals for the coming season
Match Team aim to add stunting into their routines for the first time, with our newly trained student coach! Pom are going for Gold as they missed out on first place by less than 0.5 points last season, and all of our Cheer teams aim to withhold their high placing and stand-out routines. All of the Celtics keeps fight hard every season to uphold the legacy!
It’s that time of year where you guys will be recruiting, what are you looking for in a student?
As Celtics we pride ourselves on our enthusiasm, determination and commitment. Whether you are a seasoned dancer, or completely new to the sport, we have a spot for everyone!!
Why should people join Leeds Celtics Cheerleaders?
Aside from the really fun competitions and amazing training, our society is renowned for having ridiculously fun socials, great nights out and some very memorable trips abroad and by joining Celtics you will undoubtedly make friends for life.
What useful skills has cheerleading taught you?
Cheerleading has taught me how important team work, communication and dedication is, to pull off a routine. But it has also taught me how important it is to not be too hard on yourself, as sometimes things go wrong or don’t go to plan, and it is important to pick yourself back up and make sure to smash it the next time.
Are there any transferable skills that you have learnt from cheer that you can use later on in life?
Cheerleading is an extreme sport, so trust is a huge skill you have to have (especially if you’re a flyer), along with many communication and organization skills. Cheerleading is a team sport, so working with others is a massive skill that is put into practice every training and every competition.
What would your lives be without cheer?
Cheerleading is not only the main social aspect of our University lives, but we have all made friends for life through the Celtics. The sense of pride you get standing on that stage with all of your best friends, smashing a routine you’ve worked months for is something I can’t even begin to explain.
What kind of socials do you guys do, if any?
Our society is an extremely social one, we have a social every other Wednesday, from Glitter Socials, to Otley Sails, to Christmas Meals (and ofc many more).
Do you guys use social media platforms?
Yes! We love our Facebook, Instagram and You tube pages! We are also on Twitter too!
Is there any other information you would like to share with CFHTT?
I would just like to introduce our incredible coaches for the season. The crazy Kristina Smirnova, who will be introducing stunting into our Match routines this year, the sassy Hannah Thornley and Chloe Oates, who will be taking our Pom team to the top! And Finally, our incredible Cheer Team coaches, Rachel Pearson and Tim Peffers, who will help us continue our Legacy.
Lastly, what is your favourite UK Cheer team (apart from your team) and your favourite international cheer team and why?
Our favourite UK cheer team has to be Carniege Black and Purple, who are also part of the AV family! Even though in some of our divisions we are against each other, we have a great relationship and always support each other!
No one does it better than those who founded it! The USA National Team absolutely smashed it this year at Worlds, and brought together all the different aspects of cheerleading that makes you love the sport!
Until next time guys
love CFHTT
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