UK Cheerleading Association

May 21, 2023

Cheshire cheer team defy odds to make European competition - but now need to find £10k 'It’s such a great opportunity for them - we just don’t want to let it go by' Bookmark Apex cheer team from Northwich at the UK Cheerleading Association's National Cheer and Dance Championship (Image: Take That Photography) × Group 28 It's more important than ever to stay informed - Get the free CheshireLive newsletter direct to your inbox Invalid emailSomething went wrong, please try again later. Sign Up We use your sign-up to provide content in the ways you've consented to and improve our understanding of you. This means that we may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. We also may change the frequency you receive our emails from us in order to keep you up to date and give you the best relevant information possible. As always you can unsubscribe at any time. More info × A cheerleading group from Cheshire who defied the odds to qualify for a continental championship are looking to raise thousands of pounds in order to attend the event. Apex, a cheer team founded in Northwich just six years ago, are hoping to send a team of 36 to the Cheer4All European Cup in Rimini, Italy, in June. Team members between the ages of 6 and 19 are hoping to make the journey after a stellar performance at the UK Cheerleading Association's National Cheer and Dance Championship in March. The result came as a surprise to the group's leader, Megan Sutton, 27, after the team spent years away from the competition. She said: “I thought ‘my team are not going to get it, we’ve not been here for years.' And then the email came – it still hasn’t sunk in. "It’s such a great opportunity for them. We’ve only been going for six years and we’ve never been offered anything like this before. We just don’t want to let it go by." The trip, however, is proving costly. "Overall it’s going to cost between twenty and twenty-two thousand pounds," Megan continued. "We have to kit out the girls, we’ve got flights, accommodation, we have to travel from Stansted. Apex cheer team from Northwich at the UK Cheerleading Association's National Cheer and Dance Championship (Image: Take That Photography) "We’re making it happen, but we have to do as much fundraising as possible. We’re hosting a bingo night, and just trying to do everything we can." Megan describes the group as “a family,” with many of the members attending her wedding last year, and some taking on roles as bridesmaids. “It wouldn't be what it is if it wasn't a family," she added. "All the parents are part of that family as well, because it wouldn't be possible without them." A bingo night is to be hosted at Winnington Park Rugby Club on May 26, with all proceeds going to the trip. Many of the members are completing their GCSE exams this year, and the flight to Rimini leaves the day after the final exam. A Gofundme page has been set up in the hope of raising £10,000 for the group.