I discovered the Surrey Angels at the Fresher’s Fair in my first year. Between hearing about all their competitions and seeing the uniforms they got to compete in, I decided to give it a go. I had done gymnastics and dance as a kid, so I already had some of the flexibility and tumbling skills that the Level 1 team valued, but otherwise I was a complete newbie. I knew very little about cheerleading, or how big the cheerleading world is. It’s a sport that doesn’t always get the spotlight it deserves, so many people don’t realise how much goes into it until they try it. In my first year, I was offered a spot on Eternity, our Level 1 team, and it ended up being the best decision I could have made as a fresher.
When I joined, the society had two competition teams, Eternity at Level 1 and Infinity at Level 3, as well as a non-competition team. Which team you join depends on the skills you show at tryouts each year. Outside of university there is also all star cheerleading, which is competition based in the same way but runs from Level 1 all the way up to Level 7, the most advanced level of cheer there is. I also decided to try flying, which was completely new to me and honestly terrifying at first, but once I finally got the confidence, I had the most fun. Having a team around me made all the difference. Eternity has around 30 girls, so there really is someone for everyone, and you will almost certainly find your friends on the team. Cheerleading also requires a great deal of trust. When one person is being thrown into the air, everyone else has to be ready to catch them, and a split second of lost focus could lead to injuries. As in any team sport, but even more so here, you learn to trust each other quickly, and that trust builds friendships on the spot.
Competition teams train twice a week, around four hours in total, which means we spend a lot of time together succeeding, failing and getting ready to perform our routine. Our three major competitions are FC at Manchester Central, Legacy in Birmingham and ICC in Telford, which closes the season. All three are national level, so we compete against universities from around England and perform in front of a panel of judges.
Competition days make us feel even more united as a team. We travel together and spend the day mentally preparing for a three minute performance where we have to give it everything we have. Putting on the uniform is a moment I still love. It’s when it all feels real, and it reminds you that everything you have worked for as a team has led to this moment. Away from competitions there is also Varsity, where we showcase our routine to the whole Surrey student community and are overwhelmed by the support and cheering we get.
My favourite memory of being on the team is winning gold at Legacy in Birmingham and becoming national champions. There’s no bigger reward than knowing that all those hours of hard work perfecting your routine paid off. But it isn’t all about winning. Whatever the result, it’s about showing up for each other and having fun while you do it.
Being part of the society has made a huge difference to my university experience. For four hours a week, I can step away from my studies and completely take my mind off any anxiety. Having something that pulls you away from education for a few hours is essential, because you come back stronger and more focused. Sport does so much for your mental health, and I’d recommend it to any student.
If you’re thinking about joining a society, I would say go for it. You don’t need experience, just a bit of curiosity and the courage to turn up. I did, and I’m so glad I did.
