'We're world champions!' Cheerleaders from Biggleswade, Chicksands and Potton win global tournament

Talented cheerleaders from Biggleswade, Potton and Chicksands returned as world champions from a tough, five day competition in Canada.

The girls are members of Black Ice Academy, Essex, and travelled to Montreal in July to take part in the first ever Association for International All-Star (AIA) global tournament.

Black Ice Academy's team Thunder with their medals. Image: Black Ice Academy.

placeholder image — Black Ice Academy's team Thunder with their medals. Image: Black Ice Academy.

The cheerleaders – Morgan Jones and Molly Mayhew, Biggleswade; Kahlan Ridley, Potton; and Abbie Hall, from Chicksands, are all members of the Thunder Under 16 Level 1 team – and their achievement follows a successful trip to the European Summit, Portugal, where they won bronze in June.

Molly said: "Winning the AIA Global Tournament is an incredible feeling. It makes all the hard work, dedication, and countless hours of practice worth it.

Sunshine and success in Montreal. Image: Black Ice Academy.

"Standing there with our team, knowing we achieved our goal together, is a moment we’ll always be proud of.

"Cheerleading is more than a sport to me, it’s a family, and that’s what makes every moment so special."

At the global tournament, the girls won their age category division, the level 1 division – and also beat the under 18 team on day five – making them global champions.

They were also the highest scoring team across the entire tournament of all divisions and levels until day four.

The girls in action. Image: Black Ice Academy.

The girls said: "Walking through the streets and being asked to stop for photos because our team had won each day was such a surreal and unforgettable experience.

"We're so proud of everything we achieved, but none of it would have been possible without every single member of our team.

"Our teammates are like family. We support one another, lift each other up through the tough times, celebrate every success together, and create memories that will stay with us forever.

"We wouldn't have wanted to share this journey with anyone else."

Thunder members proudly show off their medals. Image: Black Ice Academy.

Abbie added: "Cheer as a sport gives you opportunities like no other sport can. I will forever be thankful to my coach and teammates for making this possible.

"Montreal were unbelievable as hosts, and the teams from around the globe were so friendly and supportive. It was truly wonderful experience."

Black Ice Academy have described the achievement as "amazing", with the team securing the division winners medals on day four and the global champions trophy on day five.

The academy is based in Hutton, Essex, but has three gyms – one of which is in Shefford – and the girls also support the Shefford gym as junior coaches.

Coach Kathryn Thompson, director of Black Ice Academy, said: "Thunder should feel incredibly proud to have won at the global tournament, competing for five days in a knockout competition took dedication and determination.

"There were so many good teams from all around the world, so to have taken 'Grand Champs' was an amazing feeling.

"Representing England was such a privilege and meeting cheerleaders from South America to Australia was so exciting. They made everyone supporting them at home and abroad very proud."

Shefford gym manager, Jen Hall, of Black Ice Cheer, said: "This is a remarkable achievement for the team and for the athletes representing our area on the international stage for cheerleading.

"The tournament itself also attracted media attention in Canada, highlighting the significance of this first ever global cheerleading tournament."