31171-10Cheerleader Gemma Avenell has her pom-poms at the ready as she prepares for a tour of the United States.

The 19-year-old, from Haydon Wick, has been selected from scores of hopefuls to accompany the Great British Bulldogs American Football Team to San Francisco in September.

The Reading University student has come a long way since first donning a ra-ra skirt a year ago. Gemma, a former Hreod School pupil, said: "My family couldn't believe it when I told them I'd joined the cheerleading team.

"I'm such a klutz and trip over anything. But in the space of a year I've learnt so many new things that I have been picked to fly in the squad."

Gemma, who has just completed her first year of a law degree, explained that the 'flying' cheerleader is the girl who gets thrown around most.

"To my knowledge I am the only cheerleader from Wiltshire selected to represent my country in two national squads," she said. "The other group is Unicorns, a national display squad, organised by the British Cheerleading Association.

"You have to be fit and strong, but it's great fun. I might have to touch my toes in mid-air or do tucks and other stunts.

"I've been dancing since I was three and cheerleading was always my dream, so I really have been living the dream in the last year.

"People think cheerleaders are airheads if you go by how American films show them. But we are all really supportive of each other. My best friends at uni are from the Bunnies cheerleading squad."

Cheerleading first arrived in Britain with American Football in 1982. There are now around 220 registered BCA member clubs throughout the country.

But it's not just about knowing a few dance and gymnastic steps.

Gemma said: "As well as learning about cheerleading you also have to know all about American Football because you have different chants for different parts of the game."

The tour will cost £1,100 and Gemma is hoping to attract sponsorship. If you can help, email lbu03ga@rdg.ac.uk

Alex Emery