Blackpool's Scorpion Allstars cheerleaders on funding quest for dream American tournament

The Thunder youngsters are one of several teams representing the Scorpions Allstars, a cheerleading and tumbling programme based at the former Apollo Bingo premises on Lytham Road, South Shore.

In May this this the Thunder team, aged between 13 and 27, qualified for World Championships in Orlando, Florida after excelling at the BCA (British Cheerleading Association) Nationals in Telford.

There were big celebrations but the trip to America in April next year, will not be cheap.

To raise extra funds, the team is undertaking a sponsored walk along the seafront in December and a GoFundMe page has been set up to support it.

Leading the fundraising campaign is Tommy Mason, the chief coach for the Thunder team.

Tommy, 24, from Blackpool, said: “America is the true home of cheerleading so there is huge excitement about qualifying for this event in Florida.

"Qualifying is a brilliant achievement and it’s down to all the hard work these young people have put in.

“For many of them, this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

"There’s more to cheerleading than your stereotypical pom-pom waving dancing at the side of a football pitch.

"It's actually quite the opposite and consists of a jam-packed routine full of acrobatic stunts, elite gymnastic tumbling skills, high-level pyramids and intricate dance elements.”

It will cost each athlete around £1,800 to pat for flights, car hire, accommodation and competition entry, and they are raising that themselves.

But the sponsored walk will raise funds for additional items such as gym hire, training wear, team activities, and competition uniforms.

Tommy added: “With the cost of living rising and the value of the pound falling, we are looking at doing as much as we can to help each athlete out.”

The Scorpions have been established more than 20 years is run by Jenny Robinson and her partner, Luke Vincent, who will accompany the team to the States as chaperones and coaching support.

The sponsored walk takes place on December 18, when the team members will walk from Stargate to Cleveleys beach and back, totalling 25 kilometres.

To help the group, visit the funding page on: https://gofund.me/dc6bf905