Not To Be Stumped

The Wick-etts will hit the glory trail to Loughborough at the end of this month for the British Cheerleading Association national championships.

But the 22-strong girls' group, aged from nine to 16, could do with a bit of support themselves, towards the cost of taking part in the competition.

Their chance of competing in the national competition has come just three years after schoolgirl Nikita Wadsworth, then aged nine, hit on the idea of forming a cheerleaders' group for Wick FC, where her grandfather Barry Wadsworth is club chairman.

What started off as a summer holiday hobby for Nikita and seven of her friends has grown into a well-drilled team of more than 20, with another 12 waiting to start at the end of August.

Said Nikita's mum, Susan, who now finds most of her spare time taken up helping with the group: "It has surprised everyone how much they have improved. The girls put so much into it, rehearsing and working out their routines."

This Saturday, at Littlehampton Carnival, the Wick-etts will mark the anniversary of their first public appearance at the same event last year, when they won the best dance troupe award.

The girls have since taken part in Littlehampton Bonfire Night procession and the Rustington and East Preston carnival parades, as well as a couple of sponsored appearances for charity.

But Loughborough will be their biggest challenge so far, sporting their new uniforms bought specially for the occasion.

They will be up against around 90 other groups from around the country, yet Susan is approaching the competition with confidence.

"I'm thinking positively. We have tried to go for something a little different, but have been studying the video of last year's championships to pick up a few tips.

"For the dance routine we've chosen rock 'n' roll music from the '60s and for the chant and cheer section it will be carnival-style."

For the full story, see the Gazette, July 11.