Cheerleaders to Take the Field of Play in London This Summer

MEMPHIS, Tenn., July 19, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- While cheerleading may not be an official sport yet, a group of US cheerleaders is heading to London to cheer for the Men's Basketball Semifinal and Finals. The group, sponsored by Varsity, is comprised of outstanding college cheerleaders and top instructors from throughout the United States, the birthplace of organized cheerleading. The team will be entertaining the crowds and television audiences with choreographed cheers, stunts and tumbling, and a performance during a halftime show.

(Logo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20101116/CL02096LOGO )

The team of American cheerleaders will be working closely with the Ascension Angels from the London Borough of Newham, coached by Angela Brown, who initially reached out to the group.  Organized cheerleading now has a foothold in more than 100 countries, and the United Kingdom has maintained a prominent presence in cheerleading in Europe. 

"Being asked to perform in London this summer is a dream come true for all of us," says Josh McCurdy, Director of Curriculum for Universal Cheerleaders Association, one of the Varsity training branches. "We have worked with teams all over the world, and are proud to showcase the talent of our athletes on such a large, global stage."

Varsity, the worldwide leader in cheerleading training, was founded by Jeff Webb in 1974. Each summer, Varsity staff train 350,000 cheerleaders and dancers in all aspects of spirit leading. Varsity is credited with transforming cheerleading with the addition of exciting, athletic and entertaining moves and routines, as well as National Competitions televised on ESPN and CBS Sports, and events at Walt Disney World® Resorts in Orlando, Florida.

"We are thrilled to be bringing top notch athletes to London to lead the crowd in cheering on the competitors," says Jeff Webb, founder and CEO of Varsity. "As cheerleading makes strides to become an officially recognized sport, we welcome the opportunity to show the world what cheerleading is all about."

For more information about Varsity, and their London schedule, please contact Sheila Noone, 901-251-5959 or [email protected].

About Varsity
Varsity is the source for all things related to cheerleading and dance team.  With a rich heritage and traditions dating back to 1974, Varsity is an innovative global leader comprised of the leading spirit brands and organizations including its educational camps, clinics, competitions and uniforms to teams around the world. Varsity's National Championships, many of which are held at the Walt Disney World® Resorts, have been televised on ESPN Networks for more than 25 years.  Sponsors for Varsity events include Gatorade, Degree Girl, Playtex Sport and PBTeen. Web-based Varsity TV features thousands of cheerleading and dance team videos and has become a favorite cheer destination for cheerleaders and coaches alike.  Varsity has led the way in cheerleading safety as a supporter of the American Association of Cheerleading Coaches and Administrators since 1987 and as a camp leader training 350,000 cheerleaders per year in cheerleading fundamentals with an emphasis on safety. In 2012, Varsity purchased American Cheerleader Magazine, which has showcased the cheerleading community since 1995. Based in Memphis, Tennessee, Varsity employs 5,000 employees nationwide.  For more information about Varsity, please visit http://www.varsity.com.

SOURCE Varsity