Looking to the future BCA encourages the development of youth cheerleading, and it is now Britain's fasting growing sector. With the introduction of Europe's first Peewee competition divisions we aim to create a training structure that within seven years will produce higher levels of experience technique and coached skills feeding into our senior teams.

Right now when squads hold tryouts the chances of finding experienced applicants are remote. You look for potential, and train everyone from scratch. As squads become larger they have often formed separate senior and junior sections, with a view to juniors progressing up to the senior team. Peewee's complete this structure, allowing an 8 year old to develop skills through the same organisation under a consistent planned coaching system.

Within ten years cheerleading could well be an Olympic sport. The Peewee's competing this April could be representing Britain at the Olympics by then. We already have the largest and best organised youth programme in Europe. With proper development future prospects are bright.

I believe that Bracknell '98 will be looked back on as a watershed. Nine squads competed in the Peewee Cheer and Dance Divisions, but the wonderful effect they created, plus warm reception received, has already motivated other teams to develop Peewee squads. These could well be major divisions by next year.

When these squads took the floor at the John Nike Centre the radio set network blossomed with cries of "they're so cute!", but these young athletes quickly showed they had skills and confidence beyond their years. It was not hard to visualise what awesome juniors they could one day become.

Coaching Peewee's is a whole new ball game, as they say. Their enthusiasm is boundless, but their attention span can be limited. The emphasis at training should be on fun, using games and visual analogies to teach key points. Be aware that there are special requirements for coaching this age group and you should check with your local council on what guidelines approvals and qualifications are required. There is usually a vetting process, plus set maximum hours per week and mandatory adult to student supervision ratios.

Coaching young cheerleaders can be an immensely rewarding experience, knowing you are helping to build the future of cheerleading and creating something so worthwhile at the same time. *

Photo: John Marden   Ascension Eagles 'Little Pride' from East London were all under 8 years old

British Cheerleading Association
1998