A public appeal has been made for financial support to help a talented team of young cheerleaders to take part in the sport's world 'summit'.

The squad from Durham City Allstars has secured an unexpected “at large bid”, giving them the green light to compete at The Summit All-Star Cheerleading World Club Championships, in Florida, in the US, next month.

It leaves the Allstars’ Under-16 Level 3 ‘Venom’ squad raising funds to contribute towards costs of the trip of a lifetime to take part in the elite competition.

The co-ed team, made up of 17 girls and a boy, impressed judges at the Jamfest Cheer and Dance Northern Jam competition, held in Blackpool, over the weekend of March 4/5, when they were awarded the bid.

Read more: Durham cheerleaders take on extreme obstacles for Newton Aycliffe charity

It is not the first time the squad has secured a place in the competition.

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But when the team previously earned the chance to go to Florida, in 2020, its plans were dashed by the outbreak of Covid-19, which led to the cancellation of the competition.

Coaches, athletes and parents are now scrambling to gather the funds to ensure they will be on the plane to the Sunshine State in six weeks to help members fulfil their dreams to finally compete in the championships.

It takes place in the glamorous setting of the Walt Disney World Resort, in Orlando, from April 26 to 30.

Team members, aged 11 to 16, are part of Durham City Gymnastics Club (DCGC), based in Sherburn Village.

The club is already a hotbed for young talent with national and international competitors in tumbling, and now cheerleading.

Competing teams in Florida will hope to impress international judges while performing a two-and-a-half-minute routine, involving stunts or lifts, tumbles, jumps and pyramids, combined with athletic dance.

As with many sports at the Allstars’ level, funding is limited, and the athletes have to cover their own expenses, including flights, accommodation, entry fees and insurance.

The club is in the throes of organising fundraising initiatives and events over coming weeks.

It is relying on family, friends, businesses and the local community to help raise funds to contribute towards expenses.

Should all go well, the ‘Venom’ squad will fly to Orlando on April 25, to take part in the competition’s International Division.

Up to 70 teams from across the globe are expected to compete in the Level 3 category.

Read more: Club needs support for trip to world championships

Kim Clark, head cheerleading coach at DCGC, said: “We’re so grateful to have this opportunity to compete at the world club championships.

“After the outbreak of Covid and the subsequent cancellation of the event in previous years, we were all heartbroken and didn’t think we would get another chance to compete on the world stage.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity for them.

“They train so hard and are fully committed to their sport.

“They deserve their place to compete.

“To do so at this level is a big deal for the club, but also for the city and the region.

“We are immensely proud of them and hope they will enjoy the experience.

“There is a misconception that cheerleading is just pom-poms and glamour, but, in fact, it’s a very competitive, high performing sport which is becoming more and more popular within the UK.

“Almost 90,000 athletes compete at regional and national level and it’s great to see it incorporated into the next Olympics.”

Cheerleading classes, held at the club six days per week, are available for children aged as young as three.

Read next:

               Consett-based cheerleaders win six trophies at championship

               Young men add their support as cheerleaders

               Cheerleaders raise cash for charity

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 The club was set up by Glen Wharton in 2016, moving into the former council sports centre in Sherburn Village.

It offers opportunities to take part in tumbling, cheerleading and gymnastics classes for children of all ages and abilities.

A Go Fund Me page, at https://gofund.me/a0f96fda has been set up to help with the costs of the Florida trip.