Local cheerleading club, Central Allstars, will be competing in the largest virtual cheerleading competition in the world on November 27 and 28, organised by the Australian All-Star Cheerleading Federation (AASCF).
Seven teams aged between 5 and 17 will compete against teams from all over Australia by live-streaming their routines to judges from their gym in West Gosford.
Central Allstars owner and Head Coach, Lauren Gosson, said in other years they would travel interstate for the National Championships, but this was changed due to coronavirus.
“The annual in-person event is the biggest deal and the most significant competition for cheerleading in Australia,” Gosson said.
“Obviously, the event was cancelled, but AASCF has done a lot of work behind the scenes to allow clubs to still have a competition experience in the space of our gym.
“Everything will run the same as a real competition, with the same warm-up times, but instead we will log in, and the judges will be watching us virtually.
“It will also be streamlined to the rest of Australia.”
Gosson said the kids were looking forward to the virtual event as they have been training really hard.
“It is really cool the kids still get to experience a little bit of added pressure and competition feel,” she said.
“Ever since we opened at the start of Term Three, we have been training and doing routines.
“All of the teams have formed this amazing bond, and they are all really excited to be back together.
“One of the biggest challenges is pumping the kids up trying to replicate that pre-competition enthusiasm.
“But we will have a few of the parents coming to cheer them on on the day so that will help.”
Gosson established Central Allstars in 2016 and is currently encouraging anyone who would like to join for 2021 to attend the placement day on December 5.
Jacinta Counihan