About the Allstars

The BCA Allstars are a Cheerleading Squad in partnership with the British Cheerleading Association and are compete in America in March 2012. We work hard and are a USASF Level 5 squad.

Dedication. Talent. Team spirit. These are just some of the characteristics that you need to make it as a cheerleader, and the BCA Allstars have these in abundance.

The 21-strong squad represent some of Britain’s best cheerleaders and they are now hoping to live their American dream next year by competing Stateside – the home of cheerleading.

Over 60 budding Allstars were whittled down to just 21 after a two day tryout last year and now they are looking towards their ultimate ambition of competing against some of America’s best.

Coach Scarlett Murphy is working hard with the team and has been with them through every step of the journey: “The BCA directors came to us and said they wanted to start up an ‘allstar’ squad featuring cheerleaders from around the country coming together to perform in showcases at BCA events,” said Scarlett.

“When we started we had the option of being a level 6 squad. There are a few in England who are amazing but we wanted to be more open, more inclusive, and give people the opportunity that wouldn’t normally get the chance to do something like this.

“We held the try-outs over two days and had about 60 people come and even more submit applications on video, which was fantastic,” she said.

To open the team up to talented dancers as well as cheerleaders they held both a tumbling and non-tumbling try-out: “Just because someone can’t do tumbling doesn’t mean they can’t be a great cheerleader,” explained Scarlett.

Over the course of 48 hours a squad of 21 was selected. These 21 would be the ‘face’ of BCA cheerleading and work towards the goal of competing in the US this year.

“It’s really exciting for all of us, it’s our dream to compete in America and we’re so happy that we’ll get to do it.”

The squad took a long time to carefully consider which competition they would be attending next year, providing both a great experience and a good level of competition and have decided on the Americheer Internationals in Orlando next month.

But the team have lots of work to do between now and then in terms of both practice and fundraising.
“We are working hard and have made several changes to our routine after working with some international coaches at the BCA Coaches Conference. It’s a lot to change but the team have learnt everything so quickly and are really enjoying themselves.

“And everyone is saving money fast! We are thinking of staying in a villa to save money which could be fun!”

The team have been training hard at St Bede’s School in Surrey, which has meant that everyone has had to travel from all over the country.

“As their coach, I have never seen a team work harder than the Allstars. As with all teams, we have had our share of injuries and successes, but we all knew that the reason why we have been training was because we love cheerleading.

“Every single one of the team tried out because cheerleading is a massive part of their lives and they wanted to represent their country. All of them have competed with the British Cheerleading Association and have given up their time and sometimes muscles, to learn and stick the routine.
 
“As the coach and organiser, this year has been a massive learning curve. It has been one of the most tiring but rewarding experiences of my life. Every time I see the team running the routine, I feel more and more proud. I know that whatever happens in America, the team will do their best on the floor. We will always be there to support each other and remind others that cheerleading, above all, is supposed to be fun and enjoyable. It really is the taking part that counts, as long as you work together”

The team will be competing at the AmeriCheer Internationals from 17th – 18th March at Walt Disney World in Florida.