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Cheerleader chiefs can’t stomach ban

Tom Rowley
29/ 3/2006

A CHEERLEADERS' team in Glossop has been ordered to cover up their midriffs.

Out go skimpy costumes because of a new directive which bans bare midriffs because of worries about body image among young women.

But it means girls in the Spirit Shocklers will have to stump up for new uniforms to cloak their belly-buttons.

Coach Hannah Jones, of North Road, said the troupe has to obey a directive from the British Cheerleaders' Association, which in turn is acting on orders from the international cheerleading federation.

"The directive was introduced in America and is to do with the rules in high schools over there. It seems the girls were baring too much midriff and some were getting too self-conscious about it and it's about their self-esteem," she said.

"But it's a shame as some of our girls have designed their own costumes themselves and now the parents will have to buy new outfits, which not everybody can afford. Some can be as much as £80.

"We take part in competitions all over the country, with the big one coming up in Nottingham in July, which we also went to last year."

Hannah founded the troupe four years ago. It now boasts 35 members and includes tots, teens and 20 plusses, who take part in competitions all over the UK.

She added that the new rules are set to come in next year, which gives the troupe time to drum up cash and attract sponsors. A craft and gift fair at Glossop's Central Methodist Church on Saturday kicked off the fund-raising effort, with £271 collected.

Would be sponsors can contact Hannah on 0771 8317213.