by Katie Hill

Bournemouth's cheerleading team, the BU Falcons, had a successful weekend at the British Cheerleading Association competition, placing second twice.

The Spring Spirit Sensation competition took place at Westpoint Arena in Exeter . The competition saw the Bournemouth University team take home four trophies for skill and one for spirit.

The Falcons came second in the co-ed main cheer (see their video here) and open dance hip-hop.

BU Falcons captain, Lucy Darrell explains main cheer showcase as: “a team’s highest jumps, hardest tumbles, most technical stunts and strongest dance moves all in perfect sync.”

The team were awarded third place in the open dance pom and in the co-ed open stunt.

The Falcons President, Charlie Jones is confident in the teams ability: “We deserve the trophies we have won! We work extremely hard for them”

Brooke Elias, is social secretary of the cheer team. She explained that the team practice 2-3 times a week and compete twice a year. The weekend’s team was made up of over forty cheerleaders, all competing in different divisions.

Anna Busby, the Falcons coach confessed: “I cry after almost every performance because I know how much hard work these girls and guys put in and how much it means to them! I couldn’t ask for a more dedicated and talented team. I’m so proud”

Brooke described the weekend’s atmosphere as: “Buzzing, everyone cheering everyone on, everyone was so excited and especially the freshers on the team who have never competed before! Nerves and excitement were so mixed but everyone loved it!!”

The Sportsmanship Award, or the Spirit Award, recognition for supporting other teams, was Charlie’s highlight: “At cheerleading competitions every single team competes for the award, there was over 30 teams competing that weekend, it showed what a friendly and highly spirited team we are.”

Lucy added: “I was really proud of us winning the spirit award it showed how are team are not only amazingly talented on the floor, but how the team are supportive to other teams and are enthusiastic about cheer and dance”

The Falcons have won 12 trophies in 1.5 years. Videos from the competition will be uploaded to the Falcons facebook shortly.