A talented 13-year-old cheerleader from Swindon is preparing to compete on the international stage while also helping inspire the next generation of young athletes through her coaching.
Daisy with fellow cheerleaders
Lawn Manor Academy pupil Daisy, who cheers with the Swindon Lightning Cheerleading Club, will travel to Barcelona alongside 17 teammates to perform their routine ‘Aurora’ at the Future Cheer European Championships 2026 on the 30 and 31 May.
The competition will see Daisy, together with her squad, compete against other teams from across the UK and Europe.
For her, the competition will be a highlight of her 11 years in the sport, which she says has given her friendship and built her confidence.
“I love being part of the team at cheer and that I’ve made lots of friends doing it,” said Daisy.
“I train every day and really enjoy learning new skills and performing with the squad.”
Daisy’s commitment has seen her progress rapidly through the sport. Last season she competed at Level 1, but now performs at Level 4, one of the more advanced levels in cheerleading that showcases skills including falls, X outs, layouts, tumbling, stunting and dance.
Earlier this year, Daisy represented her team internationally in Germany, where they achieved a fifth-place finish, and Daisy has also taken centre stage closer to home, recently performing at half-time during a match at Swindon Town Football Club.
Alongside competing, Daisy has also developed a passion for coaching younger athletes. She recently completed a coaching course and says helping younger cheerleaders grow in confidence is one of her favourite parts of the sport.
At the recent Showdown Elite competition in Great Malvern, Daisy coached a younger team, made up mainly of children under 14 years old, who were crowned first in their category and went on to win the overall Grand Champs title of the whole competition too.
“I really enjoy coaching and helping younger cheerleaders do well and enjoy themselves,” Daisy added. “It’s amazing seeing them improve and have fun.”
Daisy’s own team also secured first place for their category at the same competition with the same ‘Aurora’ routine they will now perform in Barcelona.
Russell Langdown, Headteacher at Lawn Manor Academy, said: “We are incredibly proud of Daisy and everything she has achieved through her dedication, determination and hard work.
"It is especially inspiring to see Daisy not only succeeding in something she loves, but also encouraging and coaching younger cheerleaders to develop their confidence and skills.
“We wish Daisy and the entire Swindon Lightning squad the very best of luck as they travel to Barcelona to compete in the Future Cheer European Championships.”
Lawn Manor Academy is part of the Ascend Learning Trust. For more information about the academy and the trust, people can visit www.lawnmanor.org
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