Cheerleading squad at Exeter special school champions inclusivity

BBC News

21-07-2025

A special school is running what it believes is the first fully inclusive cheerleading squad for children with additional needs in Devon and Cornwall.The Sapphires are based at Southbrook School in Exeter and practise twice a week in their lunch breaks.The team is being supported by the Exeter Emeralds, a 100-strong cheerleading group from the University of Exeter, which competes nationally. They help the fledgling squad adapt their routines for each child's ability and share their love of the sport.Imogen, a wheelchair user who is in the squad, said: "This has opened up so much dancing for me." The group has inspired her to want o be a wheelchair dancer on Strictly Come Dancing when older.
Zoe Barnes, one of the Southbrook Sapphires coaches, said: "As far as I know, we are the only special needs cheerleading squad in all of Devon and Cornwall."It's phenomenal what they have achieved. We are so proud of them."She added: "They've exceeded all our expectations."
'Meet amazing people'
The teachers say that children who previously have not shown an interest in sport are now turning up for cheerleading training.Dance, music and the fun nature of it, they say, is helping keep the children interested and fit, with the routines adapted to the ability and needs of each dancer. Casey, who is also in the squad, says she "loves the group because she gets to meet amazing people and learn things from them".Lucy Gezink, another Southbrook Sapphires coach, said: "The aim is to make everyone welcome. "Absolutely anyone can join," she said, adding that at the school, "we have learning difficulties, physical difficulties but everyone is included no matter what their needs".
The club has been running at Southbrook for two years but things really took off for the squad when the cheerleaders from the University of Exeter got involved.The Exeter Emeralds visit regularly and have provided inspiration and support, adapting their routines and choreography.
The experienced team recently invited the Sapphires to attend their annual showcase to see them in action and also perform.Manila Valenzani, of the university squad, which came second at the national university championships this year, said: " It's one of the highlights of our year. It's been lovely to see them grow as cheerleaders and as performers."
She added people did not realise how inclusive cheerleading was. "The England team takes out a Para-cheer team to the World Championships every year. It's very inclusive."The Southbrook Sapphires are now hoping to pick up a few tricks and stunts from the Emeralds ahead of next year's showcase at the University of Exeter.