Club of the Month January 2023 - Phoenix Allstars Cheer
Play Video
January saw the Every Body Moves team head to Longwell Green just outside of Bristol, to spend some time with our first Club of the Month for 2023, Phoenix Allstars Cheerleaders and their adaptive ability team.
The club was founded in 2007 by Miranda Burn and Emma Godfrey after cheerleading for their local professional football team. This inspired the pair to step into competitive cheerleading and so together they ignited the Phoenix Allstars into existence.
Miranda said "Starting a club from scratch was a huge learning curve for us both, but one that's been so rewarding." Many hours of dedication and support from the pairs friends and family have contributed to the clubs success which feels much more like a second family to its members. Emma said "When it comes to traveling to competitions or events the whole team and their families get involved. The social aspect and friendships made is amazing really, and cheer just becomes a part of everyone's routine, it's lovely."
The adaptive cheer team came to life following a request from a wheelchair user to take part, "For us it was a no brainer" Miranda told us, "I said yes, as it's just somebody looking to join as anyone else would".
Phoenix Allstars are open to everybody who wants to take part, the club hosts sessions 3 days a week for all ages from 4 up to 64 and beyond. The club embrace people's uniqueness and make sure to adapt its sessions to each individuals needs, welcoming people of all abilities including those with physical and hidden disabilities. This club truly is for every body!
Kaitlyn Parfrey, one of the participants, told us "I feel like when we come together anyway, we don't really look at like 'You've got a disability and you don't' sort of thing. We're just a team".
One of the participant's parents, Steve Lagana, mentioned "It just goes to show it is a sport for everybody. That no matter what your ability is, or disability is, you're all one team instead of having separate teams".
Miranda told us a little more about the team, "We have a large range of athletes with disabilities. We have 3 wheelchair users at the moment and other athletes with ME, heart conditions, arthritis... all sorts of disabilities".
Cheer is a high energy, team focussed, engagingly technical and hugely inclusive sport for anyone looking to make friends and build their confidence the girls and guys down at Phoenix Allstars will welcome you with open arms and there's not a pom pom in sight! Adaptive Ability Cheerleading truly is a sport with teamwork at it's heart. You need to trust each other to form the Pyramids and to complete the stunts together.
Phoenix Allstars flyer Eloise loves being part of the Adaptive Ability team and said, "My favourite part as a flyer is bringing the 'Sass' to the performance!"
The club currently partner with local gymnastics providers Majestic gymnastics using their venue to practice across a range of different age grade and adult teams. The two clubs certainly have lots to cheer about and will soon be moving into a newly refurbished venue allowing them to grow and tailor their sessions even more for their existing and any new members.
It doesn't stop there for The Phoenix Allstars, they are currently working hard on and off the floor to be ready for a once in a lifetime opportunity at the world championships in adaptive ability cheerleading. The club has been relentlessly fundraising and practicing ahead of the trip of a lifetime to Florida in April to represent Team England in the adaptive ability class.
Miranda Burn co-founder said 'If you think cheer might not be for you, I urge you to give it a go, it's so welcoming and really puts a smile on everyone's face.'
1, 2, 3, 4, Team ENGLAND!!!