I’d like to share an article that one of our athletes, Emily Clayton, has written about our trip to Worlds in April.
“This year, our team got the opportunity to represent the UK and ICC and compete in the USASF Cheerleading and Dance World Championships. These are held in the Disneyland resort, Orlando, Florida every year. Aviator Spitfires are an International Open Co-ed 5 team, this division is one of the most fiercely competitive divisions with the likes of Spirit of Texas, Gymtyme Allstars and Top Gun as well as many other the top teams in the world.
Worlds With Spitfires 2012
Before flying to the USA we had a week of intense training where we all pushed ourselves really hard, gaining skills and confidence we didn’t think we could in such a short space of time.
When we finally arrived in sunny Florida we settled into our amazing villa and went on our first excursion to Wal-Mart, which was crazy! The rest of the evening was spent unpacking and splashing/playing volleyball in the pool.
We had the privilege of training with the fabulous Brandon Allstars, a world championship winning gym, it was both inspiring and tiring but we were motivated and pushed ourselves through the heat and sweat to make sure we hit our routine. The coaches and staff were super helpful giving us tips and techniques which made hitting the skills that little bit easier.
We got to meet the teams and watch them train. It gave me and many other athletes on my team goosebumps! The way they hit their skills and confidence when going into stunts, was so inspiring to see. This made the whole team more focused and determined to hit our routine as cleanly.
We explored Disney’s Animal Kingdom with our “Ride Buddy” on all the adrenalin rushing rides and went on safari. It was a chance for the team to bond and have fun away from cheerleading.
Friday, we watched the ICU Cheerleading World Championships and supported Team England and Team GB as many of our friends were in those teams and also to support the UK as a nation. They competed in Group stunt where they placed an amazing 6th place and in partner Stunt 11th. They all did amazing and proud to see amazing athletes from the UK come the places they did.
Worlds With Spitfires 2012
Saturday was our time to shine. Getting up early to relax and watch some of the amazing all-star teams at the USASF cheerleading world championships. Finally it was time to compete! Nerves were running high but warm up went amazing: everything was hitting and perfect which really gave us confidence.
The walk to the arena where we were competing was daunting, but we had a talk from our coaches who calmed us down and prepared us for what was a life time opportunity.
Time for Aviators to take to the floor!
We had a little fall in our pyramid which was disappointing because it was going so perfectly but still a massive success and we were all so proud of what we had achieved.
Sunday we had to make it the best we could and give it our all. Before we competed, we spent our time as a team, watched some of the amazing teams in our division and supporting some of the other British teams which were on before us. Then once again it was our time to go to warm up. This time was much more relaxed. We had an amazing warm up which then put us into the mood and get ready to work it out on the mat. We hit an amazing routine with a couple of falls but still had an amazing exciting time which showed in our performance.
Worlds With Spitfires 2012
After the competition was over we had time to relax around the pool, do some retail therapy and enjoy more theme parks. This was good for us because we then got to enjoy the time we had there and didn’t have to stress or worry about competing we were done, and made our country proud!
Worlds With Spitfires 2012 Animal Kingdom
On our last day we took a trip to Daytona Beach and stayed in a hotel over night ready for our flight home. We spent all day on the beach tanning (some of us got burnt because there was a cool breeze from the sea), but we had an incredible time stunting and tumbling in the sun and sand.
Overall the experience was amazing and I had the best time of my life with a group of people that made me feel comfortable and so loved, just like a family. I would personally like to thank Rachel Pearson, Tim Peffers and also Tina Pearson for being a mother to us all while we were away.”
Emily Clayton. Aviator Allstars Spitfires Athlete
One of my team mates, Niamh Borowski made this video:
Aviator Allstars 