All-girl cheerleading team aiming for top five at worlds

An all-girls team is training hard to outdo their last performance in the world cheerleading championships later this month in Florida.

The Cheer Dynamix team is the only all-female team competing at the IASF World Cheerleading Championships being held on April 23 in Orlando, Florida.

Team member Claudia McLennan, 19, explained the hard work the team has put in to get to the world champs.

“We train Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, on average three to four hours a training session, so around 12 hours a week."

Ms McLennan said hopes were high following a good result in 2014.

“Last time we went in 2014 we placed tenth and we did quite badly actually, but we placed pretty good. So now we are planning on getting around top five,” Ms McLennan said.

The team had to compete in two national competitions and place in the top three to qualify for the world champs.

There is also co-ed New Zealand team going to the event.

Cheerleader Asha Chandra, 18, said she’s more nervous than excited.

“I think we could be a little bit more prepared this time but I think we’ll be alright,” Ms Chandra said.

Coach Andri Coman said he’s really excited for the upcoming competition.

“I think we have a few things we need to go over, we also do have quite a structured training schedule that we have to complete before we go compete at the worlds and that will happen once we get to the USA,” Mr Coman.

Mr Coman said they have been working really hard to get to where they are.

“We’ve pushed through a lot of pain and injury and frustration to get to the point where we are at the moment.

“We are quite a strong contender for the top three. If we do get there it will be quite amazing,” Mr Coman said.

Watch a snippet of the girls training below. Video: Georgia Grayling