A Carrickfergus cheerleader says she is fulfilling her “dream” after establishing her own squad and club in the town.
Sasha Largey (23) set up Velocity Cheerleading Club over the past year and runs it alongside co-director Danielle Wilson.
The pair conduct sessions at Carrickfergus Leisure Centre, where they train 50 people from the age of five upwards.
For Sasha, cheerleading has been her life since she was 12, and the decade since has seen her win numerous awards with the Valley Wildcats in Newtownabbey, including becoming the All-Ireland tumbling solo champion in 2017.
She said: “Setting up my own cheerleading club has been my dream for a long time.
“I was very active as a child and tried everything from Irish dancing to ballet, but I wanted something that was more challenging. That’s when I discovered cheerleading and I haven’t looked back since.”
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Sasha was a cheerleader for the Ulster University Elks, who placed first in Galway for their open team division and whose pom dance won at ICE Frost Fest 2023.
“I’ve always wanted to have my own cheerleading club,” continued Sasha.
“From the moment I started the sport I loved it.
“I fell pregnant in May 2023, so it was the perfect time to start my own club, as I wouldn’t have the commitment of actually cheering for Ulster Elks any more.
“I wanted to pass my love for cheerleading on to the next generation and get more young people involved in team sports.”
She explained how she and co-director Danielle “shared the same passion”.
“Danielle was a teammate who I met in 2021 at the Ulster University Elks,” she added.
“We shared the same passion for the sport, so it was only right to ask her to be part of this journey and for her to be co-director of the club.
“Danielle had been cheerleading since she was five with All-Stars, which she recently took over as the owner of the dance school.
“I would also like to mention the other girls who are a part of Velocity — Atlanta Wylie, Sarah McNickle and Emily Wilson — as without them it wouldn’t have been possible.”
Velocity Cheerleading Club, with (L) Danielle Wilson and (R) Sasha Largey
Sasha, who is mum to Harper and Caleb, explained how “cheerleading takes up a lot of my free time, as there’s a lot to do behind the scenes, such as choreography and admin. But I wouldn’t change that.
“Starting the club at 22 felt a bit daunting, as there was so much to do and put into place.
“But most of all, it was exciting. I started gathering my team and I had amazing support from my friends and family.
“Cheerleading teaches a number of life skills. It is challenging, it teaches resilience, builds confidence and encourages teamwork.
“It helps in so many other fields. And when routines are successful, it is very rewarding.”
Sasha said that although cheerleading is increasing in popularity in NI, more support is needed.
“Unfortunately, cheerleading is not a recognised sport in Northern Ireland, so we do not receive any support from sporting or statutory bodies,” she added.
“Everything we do is funded through the generosity of our parents and the local community, as well as our own fundraising efforts. Hopefully this will change in the near future.”
The Velocity Cheerleading Club are preparing for their first competition as a group.
They will compete at the Land of the Giants event in Antrim next February.