The growth in numbers of competing schools and spectators of cheerleading in T&T has led to a venue change for major school competitions from The University of the West Indies, Sport & Physical Education Centre SPEC, St Augustine, to the Jean Pierre Complex, POS.
Technical director of the T&T Cheer Federation (TTCF), Reuben Ali, highlighted an increase from six teams in school competition two years ago to 14 teams last year with over 1,000 spectators. With the numbers expected to increase again, a bigger venue was absolutely necessary according to the director.
The premier cheerleading unit, Team Xtreme, sometimes referred to as the national team, were the first to christen the Jean Pierre Complex with cheer when they hosted a fundraising cheer event on Wednesday.
The event saw representation from Holy Name Convent, St Joseph Convent, Bishops Anstey East, Woodbrook Secondary, Five Rivers Secondary and St George's College. The TTCF also acknowledged Sacred Heart Girls' RC, who were the lone primary school competing at the event.
Schools used this opportunity to get acquainted with the new venue before they compete in the major school tournament in November.
Shannon Deverteuil, 12-year-old cheer phenom of Holy Name Convent was present to participate and entertain. Shannon captained her school's junior team and was a member of the senior team which placed second at Nationals back in June.
As a member of Team Xtreme, she has her sights set on qualifying for World's Championship in Orlando USA in April 2015.
Nineteen-year-old Stephen Regis is one of three males on Team Xtreme. The young cheerleader started two years ago with his school team Chaguanas North Secondary.
Regis said he became excited about the sport after watching it on television.
Cheer was an easy transition for Regis as he was heavily involved in sports and represented his school in football and track.
His natural ability and athleticism combined with hard work, led to him attaining the prestigious Cheer Star award together with teammate Deverteuil.
Valencia Secondaryleads East Zone
After losing their opening match to Barataria South 3-1, Valencia have won three consecutive matches to put them at the top of the standings in the East Championship division of the Secondary School Football League.
The winning streak started with a comfortable 4-1 victory over Arima Central, followed by a 1-0 win at home over El Dorado East, and continued with a hard fought 1-0 win over Sangre Grande Secondary.
Challenging Valencia for first seed was Five Rivers Secondary on Friday. The two top east schools were forced to share the points with a 1-1 draw at the end of 90 minutes. Hakeem Lee scored for Valencia, while Renaldo Castillo netted for Five Rivers.
This was a favourable result for Valencia as they maintained a two point advantage over Five Rivers. Lee leads the Valencia unit with a three-goal tally.
In the North, QRC's winning streak was cut short when Trinity College held them to a 2-2 draw. Josh Williams netted both items for the Royalians while Saleem Henry of Trinity did likewise scoring both goals for his team. This result gave QRC 10 points with Trinity second on seven points.
Malick Secondary, even with their late entry into the zone, are third with 4 points. The unit from Morvant was able to hold Tranquility to a 1-1 draw on Friday.
Round two action commences on Friday with games in all zones in the championship division.