We interviewed Nottingham Arrows Cheerleader Lucinda Goldklang to learn more about what it takes to be a cheerleader and what they get up to! Check out the plans the Nottingham Arrows have coming up and some info on how to get involved yourself!
How did you get involved in the Nottingham Arrow Cheerleaders?
I used to cheer for a community team called the Sherwood Spitfires. However this team ceased to exist towards the start of my second year, consequently myself and a few others keen to continue cheering decided to set up the Nottingham Arrows around January 2014. At this point we switched training to a more convenient location, started training more and completely re branded as a team. I was elected captain with Kim Beaumont as vice-captain and from that moment onwards became heavily involved in planning and coaching sessions.
What’s involved in the role of co-captain?
As a captain one is required to create routines and coach the team. It is a highly demanding role as the team is just improving so fast that one has to spend a lot of time learning new stunts to teach in sessions. I recently stepped down as captain due to wanting to focus on cheering rather than coaching in my final but Kim is doing an absolutely amazing job of pushing the squad forward.
What sort of things do the Nottingham Arrows do?
We perform for the actual Nottingham rugby team during half time at the Forest FC stadium in town each term. We recently performed in the opening ceremony for the Nottingham Malaysian games and are planning to perform and present the medals to the runners at the charity Santa run that takes place in Nottingham each year.
However the team is very much a strong family and do a lot together other than just train. We have socials every two weeks which alternate between being a soft and a wet social (one with alcohol). We have recently done a big trip to London where we both partied and explored the city which is a popular idea to make a termly event.
What have you got planned for this year?
At the end of the year we have Cheer Week. This is after exams and is actually a five day event where we cheer and do socials as a team every day. It is so much fun and a great chance to bond with everyone! The type of things organised during the week include trips to Alton Towers, BBQs and a trip to the spa.
Any fun stories/memories of your time in the society?
There are too many hilarious moments in practice (usually when stunts epically fail!) to write here. We are planning to make a bloopers video soon so like the Nottingham Arrows Cheerleaders page to make sure you see that.
Are there opportunities for others to join coming up?
We are currently considering running try-outs in January after exams for both guys and girls. Lots of new joiners have very little experience but get selected to join because of their commitment and enthusiasm. I am very much a believer that anyone who is committed and keen can become a good cheerleaders. Again, please like the Facebook page Nottingham Arrows Cheerleaders if you want updates about future tryouts.