Tampa Bay cheerleaders visit Tyneside
by Vicky Robson, Evening Chronicle
Jul 4 2009
CHEERLEADERS brought the American dream all the way to youngsters on Tyneside.
And it was “hands on hips, smiles on lips” for the pupils at Wingrove Primary School, in Fenham, Newcastle, when the team of elite professionals dropped in to fly their flag.
The six-strong squad from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers American football team, in Florida, were in the city as part of a UK tour to promote the sport and rally fans.
They spent the morning playing games and showing some classic steps to dance pupils in Years 3 to 6, before showcasing their pom-pom power in two special routines.
The girls finished their visit with two performances and wowed the crowd of youngsters, all aged between seven and 11, with their traditional slogan shouting.
Buccaneer cheerleader, Anna Duncan, 23, said: “It’s been amazing. I love coming to the UK and it’s great to give the kids an opportunity to have some fun and teach them all about American football.
“We are here to promote the sport and the big game at Wembley in October and we are also the UK’s home team this year so it’s very exciting. It’s just wonderful to be here.”
The visit coincided with the school’s sports week where children had been taking part in a range of different activities, including cricket, cycling and street jam and Asian dancing.
Headteacher at Wingrove Primary School, on Hadrian Road, Denise Harland, said: “It’s a great opportunity to have the cheerleaders come into the school and show the children a different side of sport.
“These girls are very fit, articulate and fun, and it’s gives our children an idea of what sport can offer.
“They need to see and experience as broad a range of activities as possible and are very fortunate to have been part of the Buccaneers tour.”
The squad are touring the UK in a bid to drum up support and rally fans for the third National Football League game at Wembley Stadium, in London.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are playing as the UK’s home team against the New England Patriots, who are hosting the match in the new season which starts in September.
It will be the third regular season game played by the NFL in the country and has already sold more than 70,000 tickets.
NFL UK managing director, Alistair Kirkwood, said: “It’s great to see British kids enjoying any aspect of the American football experience. It all helps to develop an understanding and passion for the sport.”
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will host the New England Patriots game which takes place at Wembley Stadium, in London, on October 25.
For more information on the game, or cheerleading in the UK, visit www.NFLUK.com
