Members of a Hull cheerleading club are “very excited” to be competing in the world championships in Florida.
Head coach Jillian Blowman launched JBCD Allstars in 2018. It has since grown from two small cheerleading classes at St Mary’s College to training more than 150 athletes at its own premises in Chamberlain Road.
Speaking about the achievement, Jillian said: “It is an extremely high standard, so we’ve had to work really hard and build up all our athletes’ skills. We were successful this season to gain three bids – it’s amazing to send one team, but we actually got three bids.”
The three teams heading to the Allstar World Championship in Orlando in April next year are the under-12s (Jets), the under-14s (Blackout), and the under-18s (Nuclear).
Jillian added: “As the owner of the club, I am super proud of every athlete, parent and coach. We are a committed club that works extremely hard and are truly like one big family.
“This is a dream come true to not only myself, but to our athletes who work hard and dream of competing in Orlando, and now their dreams have come true.”
Jillian said the teams are “very excited” to compete at the top level. “For one, we are the first team in Hull to gain a bid and cheerleading is a lot bigger now,” she said.
(Image: JBCD Allstars)
“The Allstar World Championship is the biggest event in cheerleading history, so it is amazing for our athletes to be able to go over there and compete against lots of other clubs from all around the world.”
Sport England officially recognised cheerleading as a sport in March this year. Jillian said it is “up and coming”, adding: “It is a fantastic sport to be part of, and one that encourages team work, physical fitness and supports mental health.”
A Go Fund Me has been launched to help support JBCD Allstars athletes with the funds to buy training kits, uniform, and training in Orlando. Jillian said she would love Hull to get behind the team.
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