Crimson bring the Heat as leading Newbury cheerleading club win incredible 11 national championship titles
Newbury’s Crimson Heat Cheerleading scooped a staggering 11 national championship titles at last month’s British Cheerleading Association National Championships in Telford.
The club, renowned as one of the best in the UK, took a total of 20 teams to the West Midlands from their two gyms, one of which is based in Newbury and the other in Stockport.
All 20 teams performed with unparalleled precision, putting months of practice and preparation into action and as such achieved a remarkable feat, with every single team medalling.
As well as winning 11 national championships, the club came home with eight silver medals and one bronze.
Crimson Heat’s Nemesis team captured the coveted Grand Champions title, awarded to the team with the highest overall score.
The stunning result was not only testament to the athletes natural talent and near-perfect performance, but also to the countless hours of rigorous training the team put in.
The triumph at the BCA National Championships has also earned Crimson Heat two shots at world title glory.
Two teams qualified to compete at the prestigious World Championships in Orlando, Florida, taking place in April 2024, when the team will have the chance to represent Newbury, and indeed the entire UK, on the biggest stage of all.
Program director Delphine Ayckbourn expressed immense pride in her team’s remarkable achievements.
"The success at the BCA National Championships is a testament to the hard work and commitment exhibited by every member of the Crimson Heat team,” she said.
“Their dedication, passion, and remarkable talent have propelled them to the top of their game.
“We are extremely proud of each and every athlete."
The club’s successes are the result of the world-class talent and incredible commitment of the athletes as well as the unwavering support and tireless dedication of the coaching staff, parents and wider community.
The club’s collective efforts and unyielding encouragement have fostered an environment that promotes excellence and empowers the athletes to reach new heights – above all else, Crimson Heat are a team.
“I had the best time at the BCA nationals with my team and coaches,” said Willow Morrisen, one of the Crimson Heat athletes.
“We are like a big family and I love performing our routine.”
As well as the physical benefits, the club provides a safe space for athletes to grow and develop as individuals, to make new friends and to pursue a passion outside of work or school.
Sophie Brook, another of the athletes, explains: “I can’t overstate the huge, positive impact that Crimson Heat Tigers has had on my life.
“For me, cheerleading is the thing that keeps me sane.
“It gives me a goal and direction outside of my day job and without the incredible support and encouragement I get from every single Crimson athlete, coach and parent that I come across, I wouldn’t be anywhere near where I am today.
“I joined the programme as a stranger, without knowing anyone at the club or even in the surrounding area.
“After just 10 months, I feel like Crimson is now my second home and my second family.”
Of course, the club love winning trophies, but Crimson is about so much more than that.
First and foremost, the emphasis is on fun and having the chance to grow and develop – the silverware is an added bonus.
McKenzie Tayler, a coach and athlete, said: “Winning is a mindset, Crimson Heat will always be a program to demonstrate that.
“The trophies show how big the achievements are from the BCA weekend, but more importantly the smiles, the pride and the happiness on everyone’s faces is what determined how big our win was.”
Likewise, Darcy Doyle, another of Crimson’s star cheerleaders, added: “I started cheer when I was 13 and I came from another sport with a great environment but nothing compares to Crimson.
“It makes you feel like a family, that’s what makes Crimson so strong and capable of winning trophies and medals.
“It doesn’t really matter where we finish, the happiness the sport brings is all that matters.”
The parents, who themselves make big commitments and considerable sacrifices to make sure their children can train and compete, spending a lot of their time supporting the athletes at practice and competitions, also identified the wide-ranging personal benefits of cheer as being at the core of the club.
One, Nicolle Bremner-Martin said her seven-year-old daughter was learning “team-work, dedication, accountability, stamina, the importance of preparation and perseverance and having fun”.
Another, Zena O’Callaghan, added: “My girls have learnt not only tumbling and cheer, but even more importantly they’ve learnt what it takes to be a really supportive team member, and about discipline, commitment and tenacity in order to achieve.
“They’ve learnt that even on the days when you’re feeling tired and would rather play on their iPads at home, that you have made a commitment to your team, to Crimson Heat and most importantly to yourself.”
Crimson Heat are holding try-out sessions between June 27 and July 1, for individuals of all abilities – including novices – looking to join the club’s family.
Video trials are also available for those unable to attend in person.
