Can We Really Trust Sport Cheer England? 🤔 A Must-Read for the UK Cheer Community
Sport Cheer England has made big moves but are they the right ones? We explore why SCE might be the leadership UK cheerleading needs. Their journey spans from COVID chaos to national recognition. We also discuss what to watch out for. Let’s talk trust, progress, and the future of our sport.
Cheerleading in the UK has undergone a significant transformation over the years. Cheerleading is growing rapidly with one of the fastest increasing athlete populations of any sport in the country. There are over 89,000 athletes and counting! Once an unstructured and underrepresented sport, it has now gained national recognition. Nevertheless, with this growth comes the need for strong governance, ensuring that cheerleading is safe, sustainable, and continuously evolving . Sport Cheer England (SCE) has positioned itself as the leading body working towards this goal.
Before you read Who is Sport Cheer England, and Can We Trust Them? let me introduce myself.
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UK Cheerleading the Wild Wild West
I have been part of the UK cheerleading community since the 2000’s. I remember a time when UK cheerleading felt like the Wild West. This was especially true when it came to stunts and tumbling. There was heaps of passion, but little structure. Athletes and coaches desperately wanted to learn and grow. However, there was no consistent authority providing guidance or ensuring safety . No one was setting standards or advocating for the sport effectively . This was one of the key reasons I founded Cheer From Head To Toe (CFHTT). I wanted to provide accurate information and highlight UK cheer talent. My goal was also to create actionable resources to support athletes and coaches.
Over the years, various groups attempted to govern the sport. Most struggled due to a lack of structure. They also faced challenges because of insufficient experience or sustainability. Then, Sport Cheer England (SCE) was formed, and I took the time to observe their actions. I saw both familiar and new faces. One in particular stood out Joey. For the last five years, she has been the Chairman Of The Board of Sport Cheer England. Joey has been advocating for safety and inclusion in our sport long before SCE was created. As a former athlete, coach, gym owner and Team England Para Cheer Team manager she understands cheerleading from every angle. Her dedication to safeguarding was evident. She focused on proper training and the overall development of the sport. This was a reassuring sign that SCE was built on the right values.
Does Cheerleading Need a Governing Body?
Every legitimate sport has a governing body to ensure consistency, safety, and growth. For years, UK cheerleading had no choice but to self-govern, as it was not recognised by Sport England. While the community managed, it was a case of survival rather than structured development for some coaches and gym owners. Many gym owners and coaches entered the sport out of passion. They did not do it for financial gain. This approach makes it difficult to establish long-term frameworks for governance and funding.
What are the benefits to having governing body like SCR
The role of a governing body like SCE is to:
- Ensure that all clubs follow proper safeguarding and safety regulations.
- Standardize coaching qualifications, insurance requirements, and first aid training.
- Provide access to funding and resources that allow the sport to grow.
- Promote research into areas such as cheerleading nutrition, mental health, and athletic performance.
How have Sport Cheer England’s supported Uk cheerleading community so far
Sport Cheer England was formed in 2019. It had the support of the International Cheer Union (ICU). Since then, they have steadily worked to create a structure for the sport. One of their most notable contributions came during the COVID-19 pandemic. When uncertainty loomed, SCE provided clear and consistent updates. They ensured clubs and athletes had a pathway back to training safely with return-to-play guidelines.
Additionally, SCE has taken significant steps to promote safeguarding within the sport. They have worked to establish best practices. They aim to make safety, inclusion, and ethical coaching standards the norm rather than an afterthought. Their efforts, while ongoing, indicate a commitment to long-term change in the sport.
Membership – A Necessary Step or an Unwanted Cost?
Many questioned the need to pay for participation when SCE introduced a membership system. They had already been part of the sport for years. It’s understandable that cheerleading is an expensive sport. Gym owners, coaches, and athletes already invest heavily in training and competition fees. However, over time, the community has come to understand that membership is not just about paying fees. It is about strengthening the sport collectively.
What does Sport Cheer England’s membership offer:
- A quality badge, demonstrating that a club meets required safety and coaching standards.
- Assurance for parents, athletes, and stakeholders that the clubs run responsibly.
- A unified voice in shaping the future of cheerleading in the UK.
- Partnerships with other National Governing Bodies (NGBs), charities, and funding bodies to help cheerleading develop further.
Membership fees are structured based on club size: Information correct on date of publishing please refer to Sport Cheer England for membership fees
| Number of Athletes | Number of Coaches | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 0 – 30 athletes | Unlimited | £150 |
| 31 – 100 athletes | Unlimited | £250 |
| 101 – 249 athletes | Unlimited | £350 |
| 250+ athletes | Unlimited | £450 |
| College / University | Unlimited | £150 |
| School / University | Unlimited | £150 |
| Event / Education provider | N/A | TBC |
These funds contribute to the development of national Cheerleading programs. They support competition standards and broader accessibility efforts. This ensures Cheerleading can reach more young athletes across the UK.
The Future of Sport Cheer England
In March 2025, Sport England officially recognized cheerleading as a sport, a historic step forward. Yet, for SCE to secure long-term funding and full recognition as the sport’s National Governing Body (NGB), they must continue to meet Sport England’s requirements. This includes expanding membership, enforcing regulations, and demonstrating the sport’s impact at a national level.
The leadership of SCE has worked voluntarily for years to build the foundation for this progress. Their efforts have also contributed to the continued success of Team England at the ICU World Cheerleading Championships, where they have consistently dominated on the World championship stage .
Final Thoughts – Should We Trust Sport Cheer England?
Trust is earned, not given. So far, Sport Cheer England has demonstrated a commitment to the sport’s growth, safety, and recognition. They have provided structure where there was none, offered guidance in times of crisis, and advocated for cheerleading to be seen as a legitimate sport in the UK.
Nonetheless, it is important for the community to remain engaged and hold SCE accountable. We should support their work while also ensuring that they continue to act in the best interest of athletes, coaches, and gym owners. For now, they have shown they are trustworthy. Unless their actions suggest otherwise in the future, it is reasonable for the UK cheer community to trust in their leadership.
The ultimate goal remains the same: to make cheerleading accessible, well-regulated, and recognised as a serious sport. If Sport Cheer England continues on this path, they will play a crucial role in shaping the future of cheerleading in the UK.
If you found this article helpful, Please share this information with coaches, parent and athletes who need to have a better understanding of who Sport Cheer England.
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