CHEERLEADERS…the Jets showing what they can do
CHEERLEADING IN Fermanagh is expanding at a big rate.
The group, which has been operating in its current capacity since 2002 mainly in Enniskillen, has now reached out to areas including Irvinestown, Lisnaskea and Fivemiletown.
Jet’s and Premier Cheerdleading are a joint effort by Sarah and Majella Beacom, two sisters, who took over the group from their mother, Ann, which started as a majorette group back in 1986.
Sarah told the Fermanagh Herald: “My mum, Ann, started it when I was six, it was just a marching troupe then. There were hundreds of girls through the books.
“She was successful with it, she took us to America a few times and we would have taken part in a lot of competitions internationally and at a local level.”
Sarah and Majella took the group over in 2002, and as numbers were beginning to drop, decided to reinvent the organisation.
“I started enquiring as to what the kids wanted to do, and there was a big emphasis on dance and hip hop at the time.
I hit on the idea of cheerleading, I found the British Cheerleading Association, and decided that we’d go over to England to do the coaching.
“The majorettes is like military precision when you’re marching with baton twirling, and there are pom-poms in it, but it’s very regimented.
“Cheerleading is totally unique, you have elements of tumbles, stunts, motion sequence, dance – so there’s a big difference.”
And, since 2002, the group has continued to grow.
Over the past 12 years, Jets Cheerleaders have attended British Cheerleading Association competitions in Scotland, Northern Ireland championships, Irish championships. The group have also travelled twice to Pine Forest cheerleading camp in America.
“We are currently recruiting for all classes in Enniskillen, Irvinestown, Lisnaskea and Fivemiletown. From 4yrs+,” Sarah explained, referring to the recent expansion.
“We are working on expanding to Cavan and Omagh. We are also running weekly adult ‘cheer dance’ classes in Enniskillen, and will soon be bringing Cheerobics to Fermanagh (cheerleading aerobic fitness classes) and we are launching new website this week premiercheerleading.co.uk
For further information, you can contact Sarah at sayde79@yahoo.com or find them on Facebook under Premier Cheerleading or Jet’s Cheerleading Enniskillen, and on Twitter @premcheer.
