Denise Cusack takes a look at one of Cardiff Met's more energetic societies, the Cardiff Met Archers Cheerleaders.
By Denise Cusack
Are you aware of the societies which Cardiff Met has to offer? There is a wide variety for all interests such as film, music, snow sports, LGBT, and chess just to name a few.
This week we shall be taking a look at one of Cardiff Mets more energetic societies, the Cardiff Met Archers Cheerleaders.
Cheer leading is traditionally an American sport but over the last decade has become more and more popular this side of the pond. The cheer leading society has been in existence since 2007 and currently has roughly a very dedicated 34 members who rehearse 3 times a week.
Last year after rehearsing a routine for just 4 weeks the hard working bunch managed to come 5th at University Nationals sadly missing out on a trophy by just one place. According to coach Franki Riches it usually takes 6 weeks to polish a routine never mind the time it takes to learn it so this was a huge achievement for the team.
Franki gave us her opinion on why students should get involved in societies.
“It’s beneficial to be part of a society more than anything because you get to meet people from all walks of life. We have people who have never set foot on a sprung floor and also have people who have been cheering for years. Interacting with people outside from your course gives you an escape when assignments are weighing you down and everyone is in the same boat. Going to training for 2 hours can help clear your head and focus you more on the task as you’ve had a break.”
This year will be the first year the cheerleaders will be entering the dance section of the British Cheerleading Association Nationals being held this year in Telford Shropshire. The society has organised a social to attend the ICC Welsh Nationals in the NIAC. Franki says “the atmosphere at the completion is electric and it will get the team prepared for what BCA westerns will be like in March.”
Keep an eye out for the cheery lot as they are planning on cheering at more BUCS and Varsity games this year.
90% of the current team have never cheered before. Some members are former gymnasts or dancers but the majority are complete beginners. Franki says her and the other coaches just want to see enthusiasm and commitment to the team.
The Cardiff Met Archers Cheer-leaders have already chosen their squad for their next competition but may be recruiting again soon so if you are interested all the details are on the S.U page.
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If you are interested in profiling your society and promoting it to new members get in contact with trosoman@cardiffmet.ac.uk