Background

The Celtic Cheerleaders were formed to support the Leeds University Celtic American Football team in 2002 and originally operated solely as a dance team who attended games, encouraged the players and led the crowds. Over the past 6 years the squad has grown from strength to strength and is now respected and recognised as one of the nation’s most successful university cheerleading programs, serving some of the top cheer athletes in the country. Training cheerleaders from beginners to elite level, Leeds Celtics have highly motivated, enthusiastic coaching staff with expertise in cheerleading and gymnastics.

Over the past three years, the Leeds based squad have attended over 20 regional, national and international competitions (placing first at all of them!) earning them more titles than any British University cheer team, with over 100 trophies, including 52 1st place National & International titles they are the most successful sporting team at the university of Leeds!

The Celtics were also featured on the hit ITV show Britain’s Got Talent in July 2007 presented by none other than Ant & Dec! The team who auditioned in Manchester and wowed the producers made it though to boot camp (quarter finals) with their act. In May 2006 the Celtics were hand picked by the director of the British Cheerleading Association to perform in front of 150 key influential delegates at the 34th CCPR Conference. These included the Minister for Sport Rt. Hon Richard Caborn MP, Lord Sebastian Coe of London 2012, His Excellency Mr Zha Peixin, Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to the UK (representing Beijing 2008), and many of the heads of British Sport.

Internationally, Leeds Celtics have been represented at the European Championships (ECA) in Oslo, Norway and Helsinki, Sweden and at the International Cheerleading Worlds (ICF) in Tokyo, Japan. Further more, they are hoping to represent the UK again this May in Bottrop, Germany at the Elite Championships (the largest championship competition outside of the USA!)

The Celtics take pride in their family atmosphere where athletes can reach their goals and touch their dreams. There is a place for everyone at Leeds Celtics, whether you have never heard of competitive cheerleading or you have many years of gymnastics or cheerleading experience.

Having been recognised as the number one cheerleading/dance and university squad in the UK, the Celtics aim to promote cheerleading throughout the country, spreading enjoyment wherever they go. They also work with many other cheerleading teams and have supported teams both inside and outside Leeds, from American football to basketball. As such a close team, not only do they practise a minimum of 10 hours a week, but also find the time to socialise with many of the other university teams.

Adele Anderson, Founder of Milton Keynes Donets Cheerleaders (MKDC) said, “Most of the (Leeds) team have helped to train cheerleaders of all ages and always are positive no matter what abilities they come across. Leeds Celtics are helping to give the young people of today something to work towards both as individuals and as a team, keeping healthy and safe, which is what the young of today require. I would have no hesitation in Leeds Celtic’s training to guide and train my squad and would highly recommend them to all both in the cheer world and as a positive inspiration to the young community of Britain today.”

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The Celtic Team

The most important attribute to the Celtics name is the team’s ability to work together and work for each other. Jess Pyne, a Celtic athlete said “It's good having people to support and encourage you, everyone is always glad to help! We have really good fun together.”

All-Girl athlete, Poppy Brennan said, “Cheerleading is built upon trust and teamwork - without these it's impossible to get anywhere. With the Celtics I have learnt to rely on 24 other people and share this amazing experience.” Steph Lim, Celtic cheerleader adds, “I think the reason Leeds Celtics are so successful on the competition mat is because we're so close, and the relationship we have as a team transcends just trust and respect. We're always there for each other and it's the best thing in the world to know that someone always has your back!”

This year, they have been particularly challenged by the complexity and difficulty of their routines. To succeed at their first competition in December the team knew that they would have to focus their energy and talents. In spite of other commitments to academia, work, and extra curricular activities, every member of the squad made a passionate effort to be at training and to work hard to excel in their area of the routine.

Celtic’s coach, Laura Deitz, said, “ I think these team building skills are transferable to other areas, not only in academics in cheerleading, but also in the future career and work paths of all the members of the Celtic family.”

They encourage each other, fight along side each other, and help each other when problems occur. The environment is very positive and energetic. When frustrations inevitably arise, they work together with their coaches to overcome them.

Partner Stunt base and Social Secretary 07/08, Sophie Ibbotson admits that, “Training with the Celtics is tough. There is no denying that we work hard and although sometimes you feel like you can't give anymore, the passion and encouragement the coaches give us makes you push that extra bit harder and strive to make them proud. After a gruelling 3 hour training session I feel exhausted but great at the same time because I know that the team are getting better and better.”

All-Girl member and Secretary 07/08, Helen Wigham said, “It's one of the best ways to keep in shape, you can have fun, have a laugh, and work seriously all at the same time, it's such a great balance of everything. It's like a second family because of the trust you have to have in each other, it makes everyone bond and come together.”

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