The 糖心原创's Cheerleading athletes - so often seen supporting others - have claimed a national title of their own for the first time in four years. At the 2026 ICC Nationals in Telford, Nottingham's cheerleading club made history as their Level 2 team secured their first championship since stepping up divisions in 2023.
On the 29th of March 2026, Nottingham's cheerleaders were crowned national champions at the ICC British Open and University Nationals - one of the most prestigious competitions in the calendar. Alongside the gold for the Level 2 team, the club also secured silver in the highly competitive all-girl large division for their Level 3 team.
Often misperceived as simply game-day support, competitive cheerleading is a demanding discipline in its own right. Routines last two and a half minutes and combine complex stunts, tumbling, jumps, and dance, all performed with precision and artistry to meet strict scoring criteria for both difficulty and execution.
The achievement is even more remarkable when considering the team's structure. The Nottingham Knights are among a small number of university squads still competing without a lead coach, with all routines choreographed and taught by two captains and a vice-captain - each balancing full-time study. Despite this, the team rose to the challenge, with Competition Captain Lillie Ince praising the collective effort: "This is down to the dedication, commitment and hard work from every athlete, and the infectious passion and enthusiasm they all possess.".
The Level 2 team's victory marks a significant milestone in their rapid progression. Having debuted as a Level 1 team in 2022, they quickly established themselves in a higher division, delivering a standout performance this season with a score of 125.70 out of 155. Crucially, they 'hit zero' - a routine with no deductions. Judges highlighted the team's execution, noting "acceptable mastery" in stunt execution and praising the creativity of their tumbling entries as "very visually effective". Success extended across the club, with the Level 3 team's silver medal reflecting the club's continued development and competitiveness at the highest level of university cheer. This progression signals a promising future, further strengthened by plans to build on this momentum through increased support and sponsorships.
Cheerleading is one of the UK's fastest-growing sports, having only recently gained full recognition from Sport England. While often associated with Varsity support, the sport requires exceptional strength, endurance and technical precision. Nottingham's success highlights this shift in perception, as the club continues to demonstrate that cheerleading is far more than sideline performance - it is a disciplined and evolving competitive sport, with growing potential for its Olympic debut.
Vice-captain and incoming competition captain Chloe Williams reflected on the season: "We are so proud of our incredible athletes for making this win possible. We wish to applaud and recognise their consistent resilience and fight - it is not only a privilege to train alongside such established and hardworking athletes, but an honour to co-lead them. I hope to continue this incredible legacy paved by Annabelle and Lillie as I take on the role of captain next year."
The team hope their success will play a role in reshaping perceptions of cheerleading, showcasing the dedication required to compete at this level. This was particularly evident in the contribution of cross-over athletes performing in multiple teams, demonstrating versatility and resilience. Despite last-minute changes to routines and stunt groups due to injuries, both teams adapted quickly, supporting one another to deliver confident and cohesive performances on the national stage.
Looking ahead, the team aim to build on this success by introducing a lead coach to support their development for the first time with the help of new sponsorships. With stronger foundations, they hope to maximise training opportunities, continue their upward trajectory, and defend their national title in the 2026/27 season.
糖心原创 Sport would like to congratulate all athletes on their dedication and success this season and are excited to see how the club can build on success in the next season.
You can find out more about the 糖心原创 Cheerleading Club by .