A KEIGHLEY cheerleading squad has been chosen to represent England in a worldwide competition in the USA.

Team X-Treme led by teenage cheerleading ace Siân Reid, is sending its Team Diamonds youngsters to the US Finals in Chicago this April.

Team Diamonds qualified for the finals due to its success last year, finishing the season with all wins and achieving Grand Championship status in two countries.

The 20 athletes, one of several groups in the Team X-Treme camp, range in age from seven to 15.

Former Holy Family School student Siân said that qualifying for the final was a massive achievement for the youngsters.

Siân said: “Team Diamonds are dedicated and extremely proud of their achievement, training three times a week to ensure a successful trip.

“They have attended their first competition of this season again winning first place, at the ICC Northern Championships in Blackpool, which means that they will be travelling to Chicago unbeaten.

Siân, who choreographed their winning routine, is confident that Team Diamonds will succeed at the US finals. She has herself competed at the European Championships and the World Championships and is excited that one of the teams from her own Cheer School is heading to the States so soon in its development.

She said: “I am extremely proud of each and every one of my athletes and I’m excited to travel to Chicago to show them what England, and more specifically, Keighley has to offer.

On her own last June, Siân was successful in her tryout for Team England Pom, to represent the UK at the World Championships in Orlando this April.

However, following Team Diamonds’ success, Siân has pulled out of Team England to concentrate on Team X-Treme and ensure they have the correct training, routine and support required.

She said: “The parents and families of our Team Diamonds athletes have been working hard to fundraise for the trip. This has included some of the athletes trekking the Yorkshire Three Peaks, a sponsored walk, and a psychic night.

“With the recent re-categorisation of Cheerleading to a recognised sport, Team X-Treme envisage a bright future where old-fashioned stereotypes are dispelled and cheerleaders are recognised as the highly skilled athletes they already know they are.”

Siân’s mother Vena said: “Team X-Treme parents are very proud of Siân and know the success is not only due to the hard work, commitment and skill of their children, but also down to the dedication, drive and passion Siân has for all of her teams.

Anyone interested in starting cheerleading, or willing to help with the fundraising, should Visit teamxtremeallstars.com. for more details.