Edgewood Eagles Cheerleaders Heading to National Championship

The continued dominance of the Edgewood Eagles Cheerleading program was on full display earlier this month at the 2015 Pop Warner Little Scholars Regional Cheerleading Competition in Springfield, Mass.

Two Edgewood Eagle squads tumbled their way ahead of the competition. And with their victories, they secured spots at the national championship later this year.

“Lori Sweeney, Vice President of Cheer for the Edgewood Eagles youth sports organization, said “I could not be more proud of the children and coaching staff.This year Edgewood has made several changes to the program; subsequently, challenging the children to move up in the level of cheerleading that they have competed in the past. Obviously, their hard work paid off.”

The regional championship brought the best squads from around New England together for an intense two days of competition. Both the Jr. Peewee Squad (ages 8-10) and the Varsity level 4 Squad (ages 11-15) qualified. In each division, the first and second place teams advance. The Jr. Peewee Squad placed second and the Varsity Level 4 became Regional Champions with a first place finish.

The Jr. Peewee Squad is the first level of competitive cheer. The team consists of 20 total cheerleaders (19 girls and 1 boy). Most of the coaches and cheerleaders were new; therefore, “the way they came together as a staff and team defines the word teamwork in my eyes,” Sweeney said.

The Varsity Level 4 Squad is the highest competitive level in Pop Warner Cheer. The team consists of 22 total cheerleaders (21 girls and 1 boy).

“It is a team, that we as a staff, want all the kids to strive to be on; however, it does come with a great difficulty of stunting and tumbling skill. The cheerleaders on this team not only work hard during our season but also continuing to work on their skills during off season, as well. It is the first year Edgewood has competed at this level,” Sweeney said.

It’s the first year Edgewood has competed at this high of a level.

Along with lots of practice, team members did some real footwork, finding their own gym to to practice in. They named it after one of their fellow cheerleaders, Alexis Marie Silva, who died in a terrible car crash in 2010. As they practiced, they kept her in their hearts.

Both squads now are now scrambling to raise enough money to pay their way to the National Championship held at the ESPN Zone in Orlando, Florida.

The competition is held during the week of Dec. 7 and 14. To help the cheerleaders afford the cost to get the nationals, they’re asking for cash donations to assist with the costs. Anything would be greatly appreciated, they can be sent to the following: Bank of Rhode Island, c/o Edgewood Eagles Cheerleading, 1047 Park Avenue, Cranston RI, 02910.