Name: Laura
Age: 24
Team: Angels Dance Academy and Team England AAA
Position: Back Spot
Career Goal: To run and own my own gym/team
Cheerleading Goal: To win Worlds
Instagram name: laura_philp
How many years have you been Cheering?
15 years
Which team are you a part of or have you been previously a part of?
Currently a coach and athlete of Angels Dance Academy
What’s your favourite Cheer memory so far?
Back in 2013 when I attended the American Invasion Skills Clinic.
Favourite skills e.g. cheer stunt, tumble or dance move.
My favourite skills are baskets.
What does Adaptive Abilities Cheerleading mean for you?
I have juvenile idiopathic arthritis which means I struggle with physical activity, my disability sometimes causes my joints to seize up, especially when in training. Adaptive Abilities Cheerleading helps me to continue my passion for cheerleading in an environment where people understand that sometimes I have difficulties.
How did you get involved in Adaptive Abilities Cheer?
Phoenix All Stars contacted the Head Coach at ADA, where I coach, asking if she had any athletes that would like to compete for AA, I was one of the people that went along.
Are there any stunts/technique or training adaptations you make which you find especially interesting?
I don’t particularly make any adaptations for myself in stunts and techniques, I try and push myself to cheer without any. When my joints are bad I bring my heat pack along to get them moving before training.
Why did you want to try out for this team?
I wanted to try out for this team, to prove to myself I was strong enough to push through my disability and I can represent my country.
What was it like when you attended try-outs for Team England AAA?
At first I was nervous but being surrounded by friends and knowing we were all going through the same made me feel at ease.
Your favourite memory from being a part of Team England AAA (So far!)
I can’t pinpoint one memory but the overall experience has been very positive.
What will you miss about Team England AAA and why?
I will miss training with the athletes I have made friends with from other gyms.
What does it mean to you to represent your country?
It is so exciting to be able to represent my country and show any young girls struggling with a disability that they are able to do anything they put their mind to
What does Worlds mean to you?
Competing at worlds is a massive opportunity and I am very excited to be able to compete alongside the ADA athletes I coach and represent our country.
What are you most excited to experience at Worlds 2023 other than competing?
I am excited to experience the atmosphere, from training in elite gyms to the competition days and being able to watch teams from all over the world
Name a team from the United Kingdom and internationally that you are most excited to watch and explain why?
ADA Hiphop teams because watching them at worlds where they thrive will be inspiring.
Senior Elite because we love to train to their old music so seeing them in action will also be inspiring.
Are there any other AA teams you’re excited to watch?
USA
Name a quote that keeps you motivated.
‘Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.’ – Tim Notke
Share something that makes you happy
Coaching at ADA, I am my happiest when in the gym
What advice would you give to someone who was scared to try-out for Team England this year?
The try out process isn’t as daunting as it seems, everyone is really supportive and encouraging.
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