Cheerleading: Titans rising to the top
Rebuilt, recharged and ready to fly high. ICL Titans are back and better than ever.
When we think about cheerleading, we usually picture the type of cheer seen in American movies, where cheering takes place on the sidelines of another sport. However, this is not the case for our cheerleading society: Imperial College London Titans. Over the past few years, ICL Titans have grown in number, always welcoming students of any gender and skill level to join their amazing society. Many of the current cheerleaders started with no prior experience in cheer and have gone on to perform in national competitions against other universities. It’s common to have heard the typical stereotypes about cheerleading, such as it being “cliquey” or “not a real sport”, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Being part of the cheerleading society will not only make you fitter, but also stronger from all the lifting involved in cheer. So, if you’re looking for a society where you can stay healthy, have fun and become part of a big family, ICL Titans is the one for you!
Competitions: What involves a cheer routine?
Did you know that there are different levels of cheerleading? In fact, there are seven levels in total, from level 1 to level 7, with the latter being the most difficult. These levels vary depending on the age of the athletes and on the difficulty of the stunts they perform. Within ICL Titans, there are two competitive teams: Ignite (Level 3) and Ice (Level 2). Throughout the year, both teams train intensively to perfect routines packed with stunts (featuring lifts and throws), jumps and even some dance elements! These routines are then performed at national competitions, where judges compare teams and crown the best performances.
Last year, Ignite impressed with 2nd place finishes at both Legacy Just Believe (February) and Legacy Alpha and Omega (March) competitions. Meanwhile, Ice achieved 6th and 4th place at the same events, incredible results that reflected both the team’s progress and the dedication of many first time cheerleaders. Beyond competitions, ICL Titans also showcase their talent at various events, including their annual joint showcase with UCL and KCL, planned for March next year.
Thunder: The new performative team
This year, the society had a record breaking 93 athletes trying out for the teams, showing the incredible growth they have experienced over the years. Due to this massive participation, ICL Titans have decided to expand their teams with a new addition – Thunder.
Thunder is the society’s performance team, open to complete beginners, created to provide everyone with all the fundamentals needed for cheer. By the end of the year, this team will work towards a routine that will be performed at the society’s London University Showcase in March! Every year, the number of people attending ICL Titans’ tasters with no prior experience in cheerleading or similar sports has been increasing and the society aims to continue making cheerleading welcoming and inclusive for all abilities. Thunder was designed to create a relaxed environment where athletes can learn, make new friends and have fun. ICL Titans hope that Thunder will continue to develop over the next few years and that one day this team could also become a competitive one. However, it is not all competition and training within cheerleading. ICL Titans hold weekly socials every Wednesday, ranging from roller skating to trips to Thorpe Park and many more activities. The society often organises joint socials with the American Football Society, such as their recent White T-Shirt Social!
In that case, if you’re looking for an exciting, competitive yet fun society, welcome to ICL Titans, where everyone is welcome no matter your previous experience. We hope to see many more of you in the upcoming season! You can follow ICL Titans on Instagram: @ictitanscheer
