This is what it's like to train with NFL cheerleaders

As two huge American Football teams do battle at Wembley this weekend, Liz Connor shares her experiences of training with a professional cheerleading squad
Liz Connor27 September 2017

I am throwing glittery pom poms into the air — and attempting to catch them — while willing my feet to keep up with a frenzied routine of quick-fire pony steps.

The LA Rams cheerleading squad are in London — and they have put on their crystal-studded uniforms to walk me through a “basic” routine.

We meet at Pineapple Dance Studios in Covent Garden, where the girls are already limbering up for today’s tutorial. I quickly realise that the routine is much more strenuous than the 2000 teen comedy Bring It On, starring Kirsten Dunst as a college cheerleader captain, would have had me believe.

First, there are your arms to think about. They are rotating between punches, rolls and a hand-on-hip resting position, while your legs are challenged by lunges, kicks and twists. Then you have to think about your hips, which are popping, twerking and rolling during the movements.

Can I get an A? Liz Connor practises with the LA Rams squad

But it doesn’t stop there. Mid-routine, the choreographer is shouting at me to keep a grin on my face rather than the grimace of concentration I have unwittingly adopted as I fumble through the steps.

Liz Connor tries her best training out with the NFL Cheerleaders at Pineapple Studios, Covent Garden L to R: Brandi, Valerie, Micki, Liz Connor, Shardai, Megan and Amanda

The sport is a masterclass in multi-tasking and a great low-impact workout too, say the squad.

All that grinning and high-fiving gives you an adrenaline buzz, with the most spirited performances earning a coveted “spirit stick”, or baton. The girls say they train for three hours twice a week but do treat themselves to their fair share of food vices. “We even indulged in some fish and chips last night,” says squad member Amanda — the NFL prefers their surnames not to be revealed.

Kirsten Dunst in 'Bring It On'

So do they think there have to be more cheerleaders at football matches?

“Definitely,” says Shardai, who has been “cheering” since she was four. “We have cheerleaders for our soccer teams so that could definitely translate over here. As a dancer like us you’re a natural leader, you have a lot of energy and you’re always smiling. You’re constantly motivating people, so it really sets any young person up with some great skills for life.”

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While I doubt I’ll be receiving my spirit stick in the post any time soon, before the end of the class I’m cheering like a pro — and feeling like one too thanks to all the whooping. All this positive energy is deeply satisfying — maybe even stress-busting. Now, how soon can I get my hands on a costume…?

The next NFL match is on October 1 at Wembley. See the full line up here.

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