The RFL

Over the last few months the RFL has been working to developing a partnership with UKCA (governing body of Cheerleading) in order to provide more support, advice and training for our Rugby League Cheerleaders. The RFL presented the trophies for the Street Cheer competition and UKCA have recently organised and run a workshop for RL cheerleaders.

It was a fantastic day with cheerleading troop leaders from Leeds Rhinos, Castleford Tigers, Dewsbury, Bradford Bulls, Huddersfield Giants, St Helens and Featherstone to name but a few. Over the day all the participants discussed what they hope for cheerleading, clarifying guidance around cheerleading and discussing training available to develop their skills.

Following the session it was agreed that the guidance, cheerleading etiquette and competition criteria will be circulated to all cheerleading squads for further consultation. Club troops can choose to register free with UKCA and in return they will be able to access support and advice as well as training courses on coaching cheerleading.

In addition UKCA has agreed to host a RL cheerleading festival and competition in November 2009 as part of their competition structure. If you would like to know more about any aspect of Rugby league and cheerleading please contact Lindsey at UKCA on ukca@hotmail.co.uk

RFL and Cheerleading Opportunities

Following a meeting with UK Cheerleading Association (UKCA) the RFL have been offered an exciting range of opportunities to develop cheerleading in Rugby League with the support of UKCA and British Gymnastics who will shortly be their governing body.

Whether you are running a successful Super League troop or thinking about setting up a cheerleading group at your rugby league club there may be something for you;

Free Cheerleading workshop

The UKCA would like to offer clubs, professional and amateur an opportunity to attend a free workshop in Dec / Jan (date and venue to be confirmed). The workshops will cover the following elements:

1) Agreeing a set of rules and regulations governing RL cheerleading
2) Providing an overview of types of cheerleading in UK – street cheer, pom dance, cheer dance and cheerleading (stunts and tumbles), some of which may be less familiar. Followed by skills session / choreography
3) Information on the UKCA competition structure, role of British Gymnastics and proposed new national Rugby League cheerleading competition
4) Establishing partnerships with local schools to develop cheerleading opportunities

Brand New! - National Rugby League Cheerleading competition

Entries under all four styles of cheerleading; Street cheer, pom dance, cheer dance and cheerleading will be welcome with separate competitions for beginners, intermediate and advanced. The RL competition will be introduced by UKCA in 2009 and will form part of their competition structure. The competition will be held at the Manchester Velodrome on 17/18 May.

Rugby league troops that enter the competition will then be eligible to audition for the GB cheerleading squad which will enter international competitions. Winning troops will also be invited to demonstrate their routine and skills at a major RFL match / event.

Links with local schools

UKCA are offering to signpost Rugby League clubs to schools and community clubs who have, or are currently developing cheerleading troops from all four strands of the sport . The aim of this is to provide a future pathway to the existing RL cheerleader troops as well as introducing school and community clubs to rugby league by offering them opportunities to perform as curtain raisers or half time entertainment.

If you would like to know more or register your interest in the workshop or competition please contact Sarah Williams at RFL on 0113 2375037 Or email sarah.williams@rfl.uk.com