A Musselburgh cheerleading squad are set to take on the world at a major international tournament after being crowned UK champions.
The Rain Allstars beat competition from five other teams to lift the Future Cheer under-17 trophy in Bournemouth last summer, booking them a place in the world finals.
The team had been forced to train over zoom in an effort to keep their momentum going during the covid pandemic.
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However they are now bound for the ESPN Wide World of Sports in Florida to compete against teams from across the globe at the Varsity All Star’s ‘The Summit’ after raising more than £10,000 to fund the trip.
The 16-strong squad, coached by team leaders Ross Barron and Becca Dixon, will compete in front of crowds of thousands at the showcase in Orlando.
Louise Couper, 44, whose daughter Olivia,13, competes for the team, said: “The girls are just so excited, they’ve worked so hard for this.
“It is massive for them given they were practising on Zoom during lockdown, training outside in all weathers and having to try and put together routines.
“We’re excited for them, we can’t wait to get over there.”
The team are due to compete at the Visa Athletic Centre in the sports complex as one of 40 teams in their group on Thursday.
They could qualify for the second day by impressing judges after securing a near-perfect score during the UK heat in July.
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And they are likely to be backed by a noisy crowd, with a massive contingent travelling from Midlothian, East Lothian and Fife to give their support.
Louise added: “They compete in front of thousands of people in the UK, but in America the crowds are even bigger.
“We’ll be the noisiest ones though, the Scottish fans always are.
“Whatever happens, we will be so proud of the girls and how far they’ve come.
“It’s a huge achievement and I just hope they enjoy it.”
