A TEAM of dedicated Southend cheerleaders are looking to make their “dreams come true” as they attempt to raise £30,000 to compete at Disney World in Florida.

Southend Elite, a grassroots under-16 team of cheerleaders, were left ecstatic after winning a bid to compete at the 2025 summit championship – a huge international cheer competition.

Held from May 1 to 4, Southend Elite are desperately attempting to raise £30,000 to be able to fly out to Florida, cover their entry fees, training spaces and equipment and accommodation – though £10,000 will get the team there and back. 

Lift - Squad members in their training room Lift - Squad members in their training room (Image: Rachel Blatch)


Coach, Rachel Blatch, has spoken about just how much the ability to participate will mean to the cheerleaders.

She said: “It would mean everything for us, they have worked so hard, and they train three times a week, it is half-term, and they are here from 10am to do their training.

“This isn’t just about a competition, its about fulfilling a dream that we’ve worked incredibly hard to achieve.

“The team are ecstatic with excitement. Cheerleading is such a family-oriented sport, and it is inspiring to see how our younger athletes are now coaching the younger generation.

“There is a real passion.” 

Tower - Southend Elite Tower - Southend Elite (Image: Rachel Blatch)


Rachel added that the team has attempted internal fundraising to get the girls to Florida, doing sleepovers and quiz nights but now the £30,000 required has become too much.

The current team has been together for a year and has been training since September, after successfully winning their bid to compete in July.

Rachel said: “We need as much support as people can give, they give so much, and cheerleading is an amazing sport where all are welcome.

“Cheerleading is the fastest growing sport in England and we are the only team for it in Southend, we get people from Rochford and Rayleigh also taking part as it is so inclusive.

“We can’t express how much the support would mean to us, this journey to the summit is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and with help, we’re determined to make it unforgettable.”

To support the team, gofundme.com/f/southend-elite-sports-academy-florida-summit-finals.