Oswestry Raptors Cheerleading is a local club that aims to provide the full cheerleading experience in a fun and friendly environment. Cheerleading is a popular sport which has many aspects, including lifts, acrobatics and various other skills. The sport helps develop fitness and flexibility, as well as trust and teamwork. It is also a great opportunity to make new friends and learn something new.
Cheerleading was traditionally used to support sports teams and provide entertainment for the audience during intervals. But it has since become a popular sport in its own right. It all started in the United States and now involves teams travelling from all over the world to compete at televised world competitions. Teams compete against each other and are scored by a panel of judges. Composed routines in these competitions consist of a variety of stunts/lifts, dance and tumbling elements, keeping within strict rules.
The Oswestry Raptors currently specialise in non-competitive cheerleading, which is just as enjoyable for children new to cheer. If your little one is filled with excitement at the thought of joining a team sport, they will experience jumps, dance, stunts, pyramids and tumbling. All designed to be great fun and children will enhance their balance, stability and coordination skills, which help with other activities and sports. And not forgetting they will make new friends and feel the benefits of learning to trust one another, which helps build confidence. Not forgetting the satisfaction of learning something new!
Classes are taught by a fully qualified level 3 coach, Christopher Moss. Chris previously competed in many cheerleading competitions throughout his five years of training. Some of his highlights include winning the National Championships, placing in the top three in the European Championships in Croatia and Slovenia and competing in the World Championships in Florida. Tumble classes are taught by a fully qualified level 2 coach, Emily Jones, who has previous experience with various different aspects of tumbling.
After establishing the club in 2020, lockdown has held the club back massively, as it has with many clubs. Throughout the recent lockdown they have been running Zoom classes, where the club has seen huge improvements from all who have attended. After lots of virtual classes, they hope to be returning to the studio shortly. Oswestry Raptors wish to thank all of members and followers for their support during these uncertain times.
Currently, classes are held for ages 4 to 12 for both girls and boys on a Wednesday as well as a tumble class for those aged 8 to 12 on a Saturday.
Emily Jones of the club told us, “We hope to continue expanding and provide additional classes that cater for wider age groups. This includes an adult’s class which began on the 19 May!”
“We also regularly hold workshops in a variety of venues which are available for anyone to join. Furthermore, we hope to provide additional opportunities for our cheerleaders. For example, to be involved in competitions and displays in the upcoming years, allowing them to have the chance to show off all that they have learned.”
The Oswestry Raptors train at Open Space Studios in Oswestry, where children will be taught stunts and lifts and be given the full cheerleading experience in a fun and friendly environment. Tumbling also plays a big part in cheerleading, so pupils are coached to help improve and maintain any skills they already have.
Currently, classes are held for ages 4 to 12 for both girls and boys on a Wednesday as well as a tumble class for those aged 8 to 12 on a Saturday.
For the adult classes, no experience is required, so if you’ve always fancied trying out cheerleading (and it’s for guys and girls), now’s your chance.
For more information or to book your trial, contact via Facebook (Oswestry Raptors Cheerleading), Instagram (@oswestryraptorscheerleading), or by emailing oswestryraptorscheerleading@gmail.com.
Member Belle doing acro
Member Molly in a lift
Member JP in a lift
