Cheerleaders Invitation To Local Residents

Residents in Mansbridge were invited to join the Southampton Vixens Cheerleading Squad for an evening of chants, jumps and dance on Wednesdays for four weeks starting 22 April 2009.. The six-time National Champions gave free, hour-long, taster sessions to members of the local community at Mansbridge Primary School.

The sessions were organised for local residents by the Mansbridge Residents Association. Backed by Swaythling Housing, the Association has been tirelessly campaigning for the last 15 years to improve services and the rights of residents in the area. It has been investing its time and resources in the community, securing funding for youth workers, holiday clubs and playgrounds as well as organising a host of activities in the area to help build community spirit.

"Mansbridge Residents' Association is always looking for new initiatives to involve the local community, we spoke to several people of various ages and the suggestion of cheerleading came up. We very much hope that people will come along and join in the fun." said Carole Winkworth, Chair, Mansbridge Residents Association.

Having previously supported Tai Chi, Salsa, Belly Dancing and self-defence lessons, and already catering for the football and basketball fans, the increasingly popular sport of cheerleading was proposed, so the Residents Association was delighted to recruit the Vixens to give sessions for any locals above the age of eight to try.

The Southampton Vixens is an all girl, university based squad, with members from both Southampton Solent and Southampton University. The club formed 13 years ago to support the University's American Football team and then progressed to competition level, becoming six-time National Champions.

"The squad always seems to grow as the years go on, with many of the girls having never done cheerleading before. It is a fun and energetic sport that is constantly on the increase in the UK. The few training sessions at Mansbridge will allow you to learn cheers, chants, jumps and dances. It is fun and it increases your co-ordination as not only do you have to do the motions...you have to have a smile from ear to ear!" Natasha Wood, President Southampton Vixens Cheerleading Squad.