Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Club of the week
North Lanarkshire Cheer
This week’s club of the week is North Lanarkshire Cheer.
The club offer recreational and competitive dance classes and cheerleading in Monklands, holding these sessions twice a week in Coatbridge.
The Advertiser spoke to Principal Coach Michelle McEwan to find out more...
How did the club get started?
NL Cheer originally started in 2005, when I decided to start my own club. Previous to this I had been teaching for other people since I was 13. At that time I recognised how expensive dance classes had become and so decided to make the class as affordable as I possibly could. We have never raised the class prices since then! Kids of all ages are getting involved with NL Cheers
What kind of success has your club had?
We started competing five years ago, at which point we only attended competitions once a year in Glasgow. At our first competition we collected three trophies.
We now compete throughout the UK and have performed in venues including the Blackpool Tower Ballroom.
We have only been at four competitions so far this year but have already collected more than 100 trophies.
When does your club train and take part in competitions?
We train in St Andrew’s High on a Tuesday night for recreational classes, and Old Monkland Church Hall on a Wednesday for competitive classes.
Who are the coaches and trainers?
As well as myself, I have three adult coaches who help me every week. My sister Lisa McEwan, my niece Beckie McEwan and Nicole Mitchell - who originally started our club in 2005 - all help out.
What youth options do you have at the club?
As we offer classes from only £1.50, we are able to offer classes to children from all walks of life! We have also opened up our class to parents who have also started to compete.
What difficulties does the club struggle to overcome?
Although we have great facilities in the church and school hall, we need extra time to train and struggle to get good and affordable lets. I am hopeful at some time in the future we could obtain our own studio.
How much work goes in to running the club?
Running the club takes more than attending class for a couple of hours per week. Lots of work goes into administration, choreography and costumes. We are hoping that if we can get more time to train, we can expand the club and create more squads.
How would someone join your club?
Anyone wishing to join can contact us by visiting our Facebook page at NL Cheer, e-mail coatbridgecheer@ gmail.com or phone 07743898948.