Teachers

Too cool for school? That’s exactly why your students need the UKCA

From Hollywood to Hip-Hop, the UK has a long tradition of importing the best of the USA’s culture. Now Cheerleading is the latest arrival to take the country by storm and school children everywhere are getting involved. It is over 3000 teachers that have been trained by the UK Cheerleading Association (UKCA). This has given the opportunity to thousands of school children, disenchanted with traditional physical education, to enjoy regular exercise.

Cheerleading incorporates both team work and physical activity in the same way most conventional PE lessons do. The main difference is the inclusion of dance skills through which Cheerleading adds a whole new dimension to curricular and extra-curricular sport.

UKCA is able to provide courses for teachers to learn Level 1 and Level 2 Cheerleading allowing them to open new doors for students. Level 1 Cheerleading is a one day (6 hours) course focusing on coaching principles, risk assessment and team building. Level 2 Cheerleading concentrates on movement choreography, Cheerleading skills and vocal skills, which again is a one day course.

For some, the highlight of the Cheerleading calendar is the UKCA National Championships, which attracts over 2,700 participants. For others it’s the Open Schools Championships held at the Manchester Velodrome, but for most it is just the knowledge that those who take part really have a fantastic time.

UKCA are also proud to be associated with British Gymnastics and are working in partnership to develop Cheerleading across the UK. If you think you or any of your staff may be interested in becoming a qualified Cheer instructor, or would like to find out more about Cheerleading, please click here to see the diary of events. If you are interested in hosting your own course or attending one of our open courses run all over the UK please feel free to contact us on ukca@hotmail.com to find out more.

What are you waiting for? Cheerleading opens doors to so many students who never thought they could find a sport to suit them.

Here is a check list of things that will help you to get cheerleading started at your school.

Step 1
Find out from your students when the best time is for training and book the facility. Make sure that the facility is suitable for cheerleading, i.e. matting.

Step 2
Speak to your head-teacher about available funds to pay for coaches, facilities, travelling, poms, and uniforms, insurance. You will need the school to be prepared to help with some or all of these.

Step 3
Contact your SSCO and your PDM and find out what available funds are available in your area for new clubs. They will also be able to give advice about festivals and local competitions in the area if already set up. You can also apply for funding from the lottery by applying for An Awards for All Grant which is available to all schools

Step 4
If you need a coach you will be able to get a list of UKCA qualified coaches in your area from your schools rep /regional rep or from the UKCA web-site. Costs will vary depending on the qualifications and experience of the coach. (It is your responsibility to check that the coach has a current CRB clearance and Insurance)

Step 5
Enjoy the club and give the students as many opportunities to demonstrate as possible. End of Year Celebrations, Feeder Primary fetes, Christmas Concerts etc.