| Spreading Cheer the British Way | |
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When Bob Kiralfy attended an American Football game in 1984, he didn't anticipate the game would change his life. His daughters wanted to become Cheerleaders and as Bob puts it, "I have hardly paused for breath since!"
As the Founder and Chairman of the British Cheerleading Association, Bob is dedicated to the cause of advancing Cheerleading in the UK and abroad. Besides working his regular job, Bob puts in approximately 30 hours a week, voluntarily, for the BCA and travels extensively promoting the sport of Cheerleading worldwide.
History of Cheerleading
in Britain
In 1982, with American
Football, Cheerleading came to Britain. This was the first year the Super Bowl
was broadcast there. They started with only six squads.
Cheerleading Today in Britain
Today the BCA has almost 2,500 Cheerleaders in 93 squads. With an average growth
rate of 20% per year, the BCA is helping Cheerleading to accelerate in both
popularity and serious recognition.
The British & International Championships, held in July, was the largest event of it's kind in Europe, with over 1,000 attending, including one US team competing alongside European squads and UK qualifiers. In July 2001, they anticipate at least three US squads will be there.
Bob said, "Standards are rising fast here." And added, "Over the next few months we have four BCA squads competing at Nationals in America. The Honeybees will be looking to improve on their 1999 6th place at WCA Nationals in Nashville TN, whilst Palace Crystals (Snr); Surrey Starlets (Peewee); and Premier All-stars (Coed); will be representing Britain at CANAM in Myrtle Beach SC in March. The later three won Cheer LTD 'Bids' through to Finals after doing so well at e had one US team competing in the International."
Cheerleading is established in 32 countries worldwide. In August, BCA's national display squad Team Britain assisted at Malaysia's first Championships, both as the Panel of Judges, and holding two training camps in Kuala Lumpur.
Future of Cheerleading
in Britain
With their rapid growth, the BCA, has already added two new regional events
next year, to their comprehensive Diary Of Events.
They will include Isle of Wight and Northern Ireland.
But safety remains their highest priority (Press Release). The BCA has the best safety record in Europe, and uses NFSHSA rules. In 2001, the BCA plans to introduce NF Certification Courses to Europe.
The BCA offers it's members many services including, insurance, ID cards, Regional, National, and International events, a help Line, and coaching/judging courses and certifications. Apparently, the BCA knows how to spread the news and good cheer about Cheerleading.
Order
Bob Kiralfy's Book,
How to be a Cheerleader.
*Information provided by Bob Kiralfy and the BCA
