A local cheerleading team has finished their debut competition in second place after less than three months of training, writes Matt Tennant.
MCJ Cheerleading’s competition team, Fearless, competed at the Showdown Elite Events Competition at the Sport Wales National Centre in March.
The team of nine cheerleaders, aged between seven and 10 years old, started training in December 2024 and scored the highest in difficulty level for their category.
“I am really proud of the girls. We’ve come a long way in such a short time and put on a strong performance,” said MCJ Cheerleading founder and coach, Millie Jones.
“To go from complete beginners to competing in competitions in only a couple of months was a real achievement.”
The Talgarth-based cheer team started in September 2024 as a recreational class on Monday afternoons at Ysgol Y Mynydd Du and now has over 30 members.
Taught by Miss Jones and her mum ‘Coach Pammy', the team is now preparing for their next competition in April.
“Teaching a team of complete beginners had its challenges but we had a good time and seeing them perform on stage made it all worth it in the end,” the 27-year-old continued.
“The fact that I’m able to coach alongside my mum, who’s supported me from the start, means so much too.”
Miss Jones, who works as a special needs teacher in the Valleys, started gymnastics at eight years old and went on to become West Wales champion before joining a cheerleading team at university.
“Cheerleading is a great foundation for all sports and a chance to challenge yourself physically, build confidence and make friends for life,” she said.
The ex-competitive cheerleader and gymnast has ambitions to grow the club and compete across more age groups and at higher levels.
“When I was growing up there wasn’t much for young people around here, so I’m pleased to be bringing cheerleading to the local area,” said Miss Jones.
“The dream is to one day teach cheerleading full time and I’m really excited to continue this new adventure.”
The club is open to new members of all ages, and you can contact Millie Jones at [email protected] for more information.