This summer, the UK cheerleading community will witness something truly historic. For the first time ever, an English duo will take the stage at The World Games 2025 in Chengdu, China. They will represent Great Britain in the Pom division.
This isn’t just another competition. It’s a pivotal moment that could shape the future of our sport. Placing cheerleading in the global spotlight and edging us closer to full Olympic recognition. The ripple effect for UK cheer could be huge. It could lead to increased visibility and funding. It may also inspire the next generation of athletes.
We spoke in depth about what this moment means. We also discussed how it all came to be. Additionally, we talked about why the entire cheer community needs to rally behind this journey.
Don’t just read about history. Be part of it.
UK Cheerleading Makes Historic Strides Toward the Olympic Games
In a historic first for the UK cheerleading and performance cheer community, Rosie and Marv are pioneers.
They form the trailblazing Team England Pom Duo. They have secured their place at The World Games 2025 in Chengdu, China. Their achievement marks a monumental moment, not just for them personally, but for the entire UK cheer community.
Before you continue on reading UK Cheerleading Makes Historic Strides Toward the Olympic Games? let me introduce myself.
Cheer From Head To Toe (CFHTT) was the first platform to truly champion UK cheerleading online. Founded by a recognised expert, CFHTT has been leading the way since 2011. It has become the trusted go to for UK cheer coaches looking to stay ahead of the curve.
With tried-and-tested strategies, competition insights, and up to date guidance, we’re here to support your journey on the mat. We’re also here to support you off the mat.
If you want to learn more about UK cheerleading make sure you subscribe to a newsletter
Subscribe
subscribe to CFHTT on the blog for exclusive cheer news, resources, and behind-the-scenes coverage you won’t want to miss. We’re here to make sure the UK cheer community stays seen, supported, and celebrated 💜.
This is more than a milestone; this is history in the making.
Rosie and Marv made headlines at the ICU World Cheerleading Championships this April. They became the first English Pom Doubles team to qualify for the finals. The duo participated in a fiercely competitive division with 40 teams. It was dominated by seasoned athletes from countries with decades of dance and cheer infrastructure. Despite this, the duo placed an impressive sixth in the world. This achievement earned them one of the few coveted qualification spots for The World Games. This is the highest multi-sport international competition available to non-Olympic sports.
What Are The World Games?
The World Games is an international multi-sport event held every four years. It features 35 sports recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). These sports are not (yet) included in the Olympic Games.
- Organized by: The International World Games Association (IWGA) in cooperation with the IOC
- Next competition : Chengdu, China: August 7–17, 2025
- Cheerleading included through: The International Cheer Union (ICU)
For cheerleading, this is the biggest international platform to prove its Olympic potential.
The World Games are sanctioned by the International Olympic Committee. They represent the most elite global stage for sports still awaiting Olympic inclusion. For performance cheer an evolving sport with global reach this moment is especially critical.
When Rosie and Marv take the floor in Chengdu this August, they won’t just be representing Team England. They’ll be representing the UK’s readiness to step up as a serious contender in the Olympic conversation.
Their moment isn’t just personal its national. They trained relentlessly. They know they stand on the shoulders of every UK athlete, coach, and programme before them . Who believed this was possible and paved the way for them.
CFHTT
Rosie & Marv’s Journey
Indeed, their journey is one of calculated ambition, technical excellence, and unshakable partnership.
Last season was the first time Rosie and Marv worked together as a pair. They have managed to blend their individual mastery into seamless synchronicity. Their routines showcase not only athletic skill, but the kind of emotional storytelling that defines world-class performance cheer. Behind every polished leap, turn, and kick lies a year of daily commitment. Athletes spend countless hours perfecting transitions. They also focus on musicality and stamina.
Their routine was meticulous. Yet, beyond their performance lies a much deeper resonance: a sense of pride, representation, and possibility for the UK cheer and dance community.
cfhTt
For years, UK-based performance cheerleaders have looked abroad for aspirational models in the sport. American, Mexico , china and Japanese teams have traditionally dominated Pom categories. Rosie and Marv’s success shifts the narrative. It tells young UK athletes that world-level recognition is not only attainable, but within reach right now.
Why This Matters for the UK Cheer community
This is more than a competition it’s a statement. Rosie and Marv are carrying the dreams of a nation onto a global stage. Cheerleading is one step closer to becoming an Olympic sport. Their GB branded sparkly uniforms are more than outfits. They embody a dream that started years ago. This dream includes a vision of inclusion, performance, and pride.
This is the moment for us as a community to support them. We need to show the world that UK cheerleading belongs on the Olympic stage.
cfhtt
This achievement could also prove stimulus for national investment and structural development in the sport. Increased visibility at a platform like The World Games will hopefully lead to improved funding, sponsorship opportunities, and institutional support.
Cheerleading may gain further momentum toward Olympic inclusion, something currently anticipated by the ICU. Rosie and Marv may be seen as pioneers, helping lift UK cheer onto a new international plane.
Their qualification highlights the robustness of the Team England infrastructure. It has evolved over the years to support elite athletes. This is achieved through world-class coaching, choreographers, and support staff.
Rosie and Marv train at Dance Athletics Telford. It is a cutting-edge facility equipped with the latest dance equipment. The facility is dedicated to delivering exceptional training across a wide range of genres.
Emily Overton, Joseph Picter, Laura Harris, and Rachel Smart have worked tirelessly. They have volunteered hundreds, if not thousands, of hours. They created this routine and trained these athletes. They believed in them from day one.
Rosie and Marv are representing their country on one of the biggest stages in sport. Yet, their trip to The World Games will be entirely self-funded. Sport Cheer England, for all its dedication, is not in a position to offer financial support. That means every leap, every spin, and every dazzling moment in Chengdu will be fueled by the grit of these athletes. Their sacrifice and determination, along with their coaches, drive them forward.
It is a story of talent, yes, but also of heart. Rosie and Marv are living proof. With unwavering belief and relentless hard work, you can reach the world stage. A community that refuses to give up is essential.
And now, as preparations for Chengdu 2025 intensify, the UK cheer community is ready to send one message to the world: this is who we are, and this is what we’re made of.
How to Watch and Follow
You can watch Rosie & Marv compete on the Olympic Channel, the World Games app, and through:
📺 The Pom Doubles competition will take place on:
- Opening Ceremony: Thursday, 7 August 2025
Friday 15 August Semi finals round 1 (40% of score) China time 17:30-18:30 | UK time 10:30-11:30
GB on third at China time 17:40 | UK time 10:40
Saturday 16 August: Semi finals round 2 (60% of score) China time 12:15-13:15 | UK time 05:15-06:15
Top 8 teams advance
Final: China time 17:45-18:30 | UK time 10:45-11:30
Awards & medals :China time 18:35-19:00 | UK time 11:35-12:00
- Closing Ceremony: Sunday, 17 August 2025
Let’s rally behind Rosie & Marv! 🇬🇧
CFHTT encourages you to follow their journey, cheer them on, and tune in to watch them compete in Chengdu.
Follow Rosie and Marv’s journey on their official Instagram
@teamenglandpomduo or @teamenglandfreestylepom
tag @cheerfromheadtotoeuk to join the celebration instagram !
Let’s celebrate this achievement as a turning point for UK cheerleading. Let’s make noise. Let’s make history. And most of all let support Rosie & Marv on this historic journey to the World Games.
Support Rosie and Marv’s by sharing the article
CFHTT, write every article with the aim of supporting and uplifting the UK cheer community. If you find it helpful, please share it with other coaches. Together we can raise the standard. We can share knowledge and make our sport even stronger. 💜
Subscribe now and enhance your cheerleading skills today!
Discover more from The UK's number one Cheerleading Blog
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
