One of Telford College’s sports students represented her club on the global stage in The Cheerleading Worlds competition in Florida.

Maddie Allen, a level 3 sports student formerly of Haberdashers Abraham Darby School, was part of the FIYA 5 team that finished 6th in the international open competition.

Currently in her second year of the coaching pathway of her programme at Telford College, Maddie is part of the Coventry Dynamite cheerleading club, who submitted the FIYA 5 32-person team into the Worlds competition.

The event, hosted in the Wide World of Sports Complex at the Walt Disney World Resort, saw over 563 teams across 21 different countries.

“I was so nervous waiting.” said Maddie. “We competed on the Saturday for the semi-final event, but we had to wait a day to find out if we’d made the final on the Monday.”

“I really enjoy cheerleading; I feel that everyone involved is passionate about it and loves being part of the team. We all share the same love for it and I’ve met so many people through it as well, some of my best friends I’ve met through participating. I met a lot of famous cheerleaders in Florida too, I collected so many autographs!

“All my lecturers back here were so supportive of me at the competition. They were so excited to hear how we progressed, and they wanted lots of updates.”

“I feel the teamwork I’ve learnt from my studies here translated into my cheerleading. it helped me communicate and co-ordinate through the lifts and manoeuvres we do, contributing to my performance.”

After leaving Telford College, Maddie wants to coach cheerleading professionally. “I want to continue working in the sport after I can no longer compete, I really like inspiring the younger generations and help them further their skills.”

Melanie Newbrook, learner manager for sport & public services at Telford College, said: “Maddie has been on an incredible journey, she has been working very hard with her training in cheer as well as working at AIREA51 before becoming a cheer coach at her club helping younger children to learn the skills required.

“The skills and knowledge she has learnt at Telford College on her sports course has helped her develop and gain confidence in coaching which she has successfully been able to put into practice.

“We are so proud of her achievement and will continue to support her cheerleading and coaching whilst she completes her extended diploma in sport.”

If you’re inspired by Maddie’s story, take a look at our sports programmes or visit an open event today.